Heather Wright/The Independent

A major project to help open up development in Petrolia’s south east end will begin soon.

In April, town council gave administration the green light to apply for funding for the project which will upsize a water main on Petrolia Line from the bridge at Bridgeview Park to Oil Heritage Road. It received over $1 million for the project.

And there may be more funding in the offing.

At the July 14 meeting, councillors approved a contractor for the first phase of the project, from the bridge to Kentail Street, at a cost of about $1.03 million. The federal infrastructure grant will pay for half of this years work and half of the work expected to be completed in 2026.

And CAO Rick Charlebois says the town is also hoping for more cash for the project from the provincial government which could reduce the municipality’s share of the project significantly. He’s not sure when the province will announce that grant.

Meantime, residents can learn more about how the construction will affect their homes during a public meeting July 28 at town hall starting at 5 pm.