Heather Wright/The Independent

Sidewalks along First Street in Petrolia will be getting an upgrade once school is out for the summer.

It’s part of the latest large project to improve the town’s sidewalk system.

In 2023, BM Ross and Associates completed a study on Petrolia’s sidewalk system and found it lacking. It suggested $1.5 million in sidewalk construction was needed to make sure there were designated walk ways around schools.

It also said it would take about $4.5 million to fix all the aging sidewalks, widen those that are narrow, build sidewalks in several subdivisions where they were never planned and possibly provide up to six trail connections.

At the time, the town was only investing about $30,000 in sidewalk repairs.

For the last two years, the town has completed significant projects around Queen Elizabeth II Public School.

This year, the town will be replacing sidewalks on First Ave, Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Street.

The plan also plans to resurface First and Fifth Street.

Council approved the contract for the work Monday. Serv-Con Paving bid over $677,000 to do the work.

The town had planned to put $225,000 into sidewalks in 2025.

The town is hosting an open house about the project June 16th, hoping to answer any questions residents might have about the construction including any concerns they might have about emergency access during the work.

Mike Thompson, director of operations, says in his report to council that the construction will begin once school is out to ensure Ecole Hillcrest is not effected by the work.