Petrolia 150 Committee members are being praised for their dedication and hard work that resulted in hundreds of events in 2024 and helped generate $16 million in economic spin off.
Last year marked Petrolia's 150th anniversary. To celebrate the special occasion, volunteers spent years planning activities and events -- both large and small.
"The number of volunteer hours for the Petrolia 150 events alone has been estimated around 25,660 hours for a volunteer roster of approximately 100 people," read a media release. "This does not include the Petrolia 150 Committee commitment over six years. That number is estimated at 16,980 hours of planning, executing, and follow-up.”
In total, 478 individual events were held in Petrolia in 2024; many of which were hosted by groups, service clubs, and organizations with a nod to the 150 theme.
Between the Victoria Playhouse Petrolia, the signature events, and the 150 events, it's estimated that Petrolia hosted nearly 100,000 visitors last year, resulting in an economic spin off of nearly $16 million dollars to the town, county, and region.
“Volunteerism is one of the most important factors in community building, and Petrolia is among the most fortunate for the number of volunteers and the number of hours that those people share with our community,” said Mayor Brad Loosley during a volunteer appreciation dinner held on April 3.
During the event, the Petrolia 150 Committee was named Volunteer of the Year for 2024.
“Volunteers are absolutely so important to Petrolia, and personally, I feel so grateful to be at many of these events with you, seeing our residents’ pride in Petrolia and visitors seeing our special town for what it is – a community,” said Deputy Mayor Joel Field.
A list of the individuals recognized can be found below. The town said each volunteer was presented with a framed certificate to commemorate their historical contributions.
Those recognized for their volunteer contributions to the Petrolia 150 celebrations include:
- Denise Thibeault (chairperson)
- Pam Bradshaw
- Barbara Prescott
- Ethan Steinke
- Danika Steinke
- Dawn McNally
- Deb Kohoutek
- Marie Currie
- Ross Ellsworth
- Judy Krall
- Telsie Jackson
- Angie Murphy
- Laura Burke
- Sue Hart
- Teresa Thomas
Those recognized for their commitment to the Petrolia 150 celebrations include:
- Councillor Ross O’ Hara
- Fire Chief Rick Cousins
- Marketing and Special Events Associate Thera Wagner
- Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities Julie Bullock
- Director of Marketing, Arts and Communications Laurissa Ellsworth