Petrolia Mayors Proposed Budget Deliberated

This is Petrolia’s first municipal budget under the Strong Mayor Powers legislation. Under the legislation, the Mayor is not permitted to delegate the Strong Mayor budget powers. This year, Mayor R. Brad Loosley implemented a Budget Review Team consisting of Deputy Mayor, Joel Field; Councillor Bill Clark (Finance Liaison); and himself.

The Mayor’s proposed 2026 Budget was posted online on October 31 for the public to review and comment, and as always members of the public are welcome to attend Council meetings and contact Council members directly at any time.

The 2026 Budget includes the largest capital expenditure plan in Petrolia’s history with over $14M budgeted to be spent. These are exciting times with significant challenges facing us locally, provincially and nationally. 

Following the Public Budget Session today,

• The proposed 3% Budget Increase was reduced to 2%.
• Water Rates will increase by 4% to both fixed and variable rates.
• Sewer Rates will increase by 4%.
• Council Promotional Materials will decrease from $6,500 to $1,500.
• The 2026 Fee Schedule was approved.
• The Dog Park Capital expense of $22,000 was approved to proceed.
• The proposed Cemetery Paving Project valued at $80,000 will be deferred to a future budget for consideration.
• The proposed capital improvements to the Petrolia Farmers’ Market ceiling valued at $70,000 will be deferred to a future budget for consideration.

Following the meeting, Council voted to shorten the amendment period by five (5) days so that the amendment period ends today, Monday, November 25. Mayor Loosley then followed by ending the Strong Mayor Veto Period early, by ten (10) days. This ends today as well. This results in the 2026 Budget being deemed adopted by Municipality. Although the Budget for 2026 has been deemed adopted, legislation provides a mechanism for in-year amendments should that be necessary.

The largest portion of the work on the Water Intake Project will take place in 2026 as well, with more than $10M being spent on this replacement and upgrade. Through a Federal and Provincial Grant, this project will be 73% funded. This project represents the second largest project that Petrolia has undertaken in many years.

The Strong Mayor Powers legislation has added several necessary, and cumbersome steps into the budget process. On Monday, December 8, 2025, a Public Information Session will be held at Victoria Hall, Council Chambers, at 6:00 p.m. with the highlights of the 2026 Budget being presented. Mayor R. Brad Loosley noted that “…I would like to thank staff, and the budget committee for their work on this, and I understand that all the changes have added some extra steps and changes and I appreciate the support.”