The Town of Petrolia is moving forward with sidewalk replacements and installations after receiving an investment of up to $300,000 from the federal government.
Sarnia-Lambton-Bkejwanong MP Marilyn Gladu made the funding announcement at Petrolia's municipal office on Thursday.
Gladu said the funding comes from the public transportation fund, which she highlighted as being versatile in supporting different types of projects.
"In every community there are different kinds of [needs]. We had previously given some money to upgrade some of the bus stations in Sarnia. So here in Petrolia, the need is for the sidewalk extension and the sidewalk upgrades, so there's versatility in the fund," Gladu said.
Mayor R. Brad Loosley said the town will put forward $200,000 to support the important project, which will involve the replacement of over one kilometre of existing sidewalks and more than two kilometres of new sidewalks.
"I think more and more people are walking than ever before," Loosley said. "We want to make sure it's accessible, and it's available for people to get around this community at any time."
Loosley said a study was done in 2023 to identify which sidewalks were in need of repairs and where new ones would be best suited.
Construction is expected to begin in 2027, and the project is anticipated to be completed in 2029.
Chief Administrative Officer/ Treasurer Rick Charlebois said this has been about 10 years in the making.
"We have an engineering firm that will bring [a report] to council for approval to help us pick the sidewalks that we should do, repair and or replace," said Charlebois. "In 2028, we're hoping to get one big contract to do all that work in 2028. That's the current plan. As you can imagine, especially if there is no sidewalk, we have to do some engineering work."
Charlebois said they've heard from residents, and they want connectivity.
Loosley, who has one month left in office, said he is pleased to see these types of projects move forward.
"I'm really pleased to be leaving and completing some of these things where the town staff have worked really hard, and council, at applying for these funds and getting some of these projects -- getting the final 'ok' to proceed," he said.
Loosley will remain Petrolia's mayor until November 16, when the new council is sworn in. Joel Field, who has served as deputy mayor, has been acclaimed as mayor-elect.
"I think the highlight for me, of your mayorship, is the amazing job you and the whole Town of Petrolia did on the 150th anniversary (in 2024)," Gladu told Loosley. "That was super impressive!"
