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October 1, 2026

Heather Wright/The Independent

The first half of Petrolia’s new water intake pipe is in Lake Huron.

The $16 million replacement of the water intake at Petrolia’s historic – and still active – water treatment plant in Bright’s Grove is underway.

The first part of over 700 meters of pipeline is being placed by barges and divers

The pipeline will come in two pieces by barge. Each one is roughly 180 metres in length. Officials say it may be a couple of days before the company gets another three-day window to install the second half of the pipe..

Sept. 30, workers from Galcon Marine were preparing the lakebed for the new water intake pipeline in Lake Huron at Petrolia’s Water Treatment Plant in Bright’s Grove.
A tugboat brings the first half of the pipeline for the Petrolia Water Treatment Plant in Bright’s Grove Oct. 1, 2026. Town of Petrolia Photo

The first part of the new water intake pipe was floating in Lake Huron Oct. 1 as workers from Galcon Marine worked to attach the pipe to the outlet on shore.
Petrolia Mayor – Elect Joel Field and Petrolian Mark Cole watch as the crews from Galcon Marine at work at Petrolia’s water treatment plant in Bright’s Grove Oct. 1, 2026.
Galcon Marine at work at Petrolia’s water treatment plant in Bright’s Grove Oct. 1, 2026
Galcon Marine workers in boats help position the pipeline at Petrolia’s water treatment plant in Bright’s Grove Oct. 1, 2026.
Galcon Marine at work at Petrolia’s water treatment plant in Bright’s Grove drew a crowd of curious on-lookers Oct. 1, 2026.
Galcon Marine at work at Petrolia’s water treatment plant in Bright’s Grove talk as the first part of the water pipeline was connected Oct. 1, 2026.
A Galcon Marine diver gets ready to go into the water at Petrolia’s water treatment plant in Bright’s Grove Oct. 1, 2026.
Galcon Marine diver at work at Petrolia’s water treatment plant in Bright’s Grove Oct. 1, 2026. Town of Petrolia Photo

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