Petrolia’s mayor concedes that having an MP in the governing party is good news for his Lambton County community. Brad Loosely, who is not seeking re-election, commented at an infrastructure announcement alongside Sarnia-Lambton-Bkejwanong MP Marilyn Gladu. Gladu shocked many in her community in April, after she crossed the floor from the Conservatives to the Liberals. “The idea of having a local MP that is involved with the government in power, that certainly has its advantages, maybe... The federal government and Marilyn have been great to help support this community,” said Loosley, who added Gladu has been helpful no matter which party banner she wears. His comments came as Gladu announced $300,000 in funding to replace one kilometre of sidewalks in Petrolia. The project is part of a larger investment to replace more than three kilometres of walkways to improve accessibility and safety. Gladu, who has made multiple funding announcements in the last week, expects more are coming. “Sarnia-Lambton needs about seven new stormwater and wastewater systems. We need an upgrade here at the Victoria Playhouse Petrolia for accessibility,” she added. “So, I meet with each of the mayors and got their wish lists for various types of infrastructure, buildings and affordable housing. Affordable housing is a priority for Lambton County. So, all of these things are on the ask, and on a weekly basis, I’m on the phone with the minister’s office asking, ‘Is our funding available yet?”
