In celebration of Earth Day, the Town of Petrolia and Waste Management have announced the winners of this year's Green Leader Program.
A total of $15,000 in grant money is being split between three projects aimed at reducing emissions, enhancing the environment, and promoting education.
The IODE Margaret Stokes Chapter received $5,000 to revitalize Moncrieff Park and Jubilee Trail.
It will use the money to plant native trees and vegetation, add picnic tables and benches, prune and remove trees as needed, and add safety railings and signage.
The Petrolia and Enniskillen Agricultural Society was granted $4,000 to replace the lighting at the fairgrounds with modern, energy-efficient LED fixtures.
The improvements are aimed at enhancing the visitor experience during the Petrolia and Enniskillen Fall Fair and other community events while significantly reducing energy consumption and maintenance costs.
The society said this will also enhance safety, increase accessibility, and demonstrate its commitment to sustainability and the community.
The Petrolia Discovery Foundation Inc. will be planting a north perimeter hedgerow with its $6,000 grant.
It will be buying native trees, shrubs, and necessary planting materials from local sources.
The Discovery Foundation said the funds will allow it to complete plantings and fall maintenance (hemp mats and animal repellant) in 2025 and spring 2026 maintenance to ensure a healthy and successful hedgerow.
Petrolia Chief Administrative Officer/Treasurer Rick Charlebois said the timing of the announcement couldn't be better.
"Earth Day is the perfect day for this annual announcement as it brings community attention to the issues facing the earth and through this program, it is a nice opportunity to do our part. Residents are encouraged to visit earthday.org to learn more about what they can do for our planet," said Charlebois. "We are very grateful for this partnership with Waste Management for the betterment of our community and for our earth."
Earth Day is marked every April 22, and was first established in 1970.