Petrolia Discovery plans to open as scheduled on Thursday, after falling victim to vandals earlier this week.
Petrolia Discovery Foundation Chairperson Liz Welsh said sometime between 4 p.m. on Sunday and 7:30 a.m. Monday, several buildings at the site were broken into and cash from a donation box was taken.
"They entered most of the buildings and we don't normally leave cash there but there was a little bit in a donation box," said Welsh.
She estimates thousands of dollars in damage to doors and windows, where it's believed the suspect or suspects gained entry to the buildings.
Welsh said thankfully, none of the equipment or artifacts appear to have been stolen or damaged.
"Our volunteers that would normally this week be moving on to some other projects on site and restoration projects are now going to spend the better part of the week resecuring the buildings," said Welsh. “Our community and visitors have witnessed the restoration work being done over the past seven years and it’s upsetting to see some of that undone and the disregard for our historic property.”
Lambton OPP is investigating the incident.
Welsh said for those interested in supporting the site repairs and restoration through a donation, you can do so directly via e-transfer to petroliadiscovery@outlook.com.
