Petrolia Council has unanimously decided to seek designation for the Fairbank property under the Ontario Heritage Act.
Councillor Liz Welsh says council is entrusted with the responsibility of protecting culturally and historically significant properties.
"We want to make sure the site is protected and preserved because it is such an important architectural piece," she says. "It tells the story of Petrolia through J.H. Fairbank's life."
The mansion was built 130 years ago by oil baron John Henry Fairbank but was damaged by fire in 2002.
Welsh says they understand from the owner's engineering architect that the house is structurally sound.
David Burnie's plans for a multi-unit apartment building on the five acre site have been put on hold, pending an Ontario Municipal Board ruling on an appeal to the Committee of Adjustment's decision to allow two structures on one lot.
