The Village of Oil Springs is celebrating its 150th birthday during 2015. This project will rebuild a community garden to honour the Mayors/Reeves of The Village of Oil Springs who contributed to the development of the municipality and oil industry in Canada, and the world.
The Village of Oil Springs was incorporated by resolution of the County of Lambton effective January 2, 1865, following the discovery of the 1st commercial oil well in North America by James Miller in 1858.
The community commemorative garden is located on the main street (Oil Springs Line) in the centre of the village and is near the fire hall, post office, library and municipal office. Most citizens of the community pass by this location every day.
The total cost of the project is $25,000. In partnership with the Village of Oil Springs, Canadian Heritage has donated $12,500 through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage.
The unveiling of the project will be Saturday, July 18, 2015.
We would like to thank DeGroots Nurseries, Sarnia, Ontario for their contribution to this project, as well as Ron Canton Limited, Wyoming, Ontario, and a big thank you to Mayor Ian Veen, Mr. Al Charlton, public works staff as well as staff from the municipal office for their hours of volunteering to help make this project a success.
Pouring the Cement for the Six Foot Granite Statute – June 2015
Bronze Village of Oil Springs Plaque – to be placed on statute
First Mayor – J. H. Bennett
Construction of the Garden – Prep Work for Brick Laying – July 2015 – courtesy of DeGroots Nurseries and other volunteers
Construction of the Garden – Brick Laying – courtesy of volunteers July 2015
Finished Construction – Before Flowers/Plants July 2015
Constructed Community Garden – July 2015
A BIG THANK YOU to the volunteers and DeGroots Nurseries who made this garden possible in partnership with the volunteers who looked after the construction of the statute/flag pole that will be revealed July 18. This in turn, is the Village of Oil Springs Legacy Project that will be standing in years to come for the community to enjoy.
Bench (donated by Mayor Veen)
Thank you to Chris Byers for moving the bench into position
Installation of the Monument
