Cathy Dobson/The Independent

Petrolia’s 150th anniversary celebration underscored the town’s need for a hotel, say political leaders.

For decades, Petrolia has tried to attract a hotel development with no success.

In 2018, a 32-room boutique hotel was proposed for a vacant lot on the main street.  But the pandemic hit, construction costs rose and the project hasn’t got off the ground.

When more than 100,000 people visited for Petrolia’s 150th anniversary celebration in 2024, visitors had to find hotels in Sarnia and surrounding communities, said Mayor Brad Loosley.

The town’s bed and breakfast operations and Air BnBs filled quickly and couldn’t provide enough accommodation, he said.

And, with about 40,000 seeing productions at the town’s Victoria Playhouse every year – and more coming for sports events – attracting a hotel remains a priority for the town.

“Years ago, we contacted the different chains to try to entice them to locate here,” said Loosley. “But they argued that London and Sarnia covered the need. 

“We don’t agree.”

Council was enthusiastic about the 2018 hotel proposal from Jenna Greydanus and Joe Gorzeman, he said.

“We worked hard to help with their site plan and the town sold them (the lot at 4220 Petrolia Line) at a very reasonable price, so it was a real disappointment when they put a hold on it,” said Loosley.

“We’re looking to attract a new hotel.  It’s high on our list of priorities, second only to more affordable housing, said Deputy Mayor Joel Field.

“We just need to find the right entrepreneur,” he said. “It would be a huge benefit to us; the missing link with our tourism.”

Field made his comments while speaking at a recent Chamber of Commerce breakfast event that highlighted economic successes and challenges across Sarnia-Lambton.

“Our greatest asset is our downtown and our people,” Field told about 120 community leaders. 
Council continues to focus on the downtown area and ties to assist with business-friendly initiatives like streamlining licensing, development and expansion services, he said, adding that local BIA and municipal marketing team members organize more than a dozen promotional events annually. 

Field called 2024 “a momentous year for Petrolia” with the 150th celebration, a vacancy rate in the downtown core of less than 5%, and the arrival of new businesses including Team Outfitters and The Urban Pet shop.

Looking ahead, a newly-constructed branch of the Main Street Credit Union is on schedule to open this spring.   

“It’s good news for our town,” said Field.  “For us, it’s very exciting.”