Petrolia Heritage Conservation District Feasibility Study

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The Town of Petrolia, historically shaped by Canada’s 19th‑century oil boom, retains significant concentrations of pre‑1946 buildings that reflect its social and economic heritage. This study identifies five areas—Crescent Park, the Commercial Core, Petrolia Line West, the South West Neighbourhood, and the North West Neighbourhood—as strong candidates for Heritage Conservation District designation under the Ontario Heritage Act. Together, these districts encompass elite residences, intact commercial streetscapes, middle‑class housing and working‑class neighbourhoods, all tied to the oil industry’s legacy. Formal designation would provide a planning framework to conserve Petrolia’s unique character, enhance quality of life, and promote cultural tourism and economic vitality.