South Mississauga is set to see a significant environmental change with plans to end petroleum refining at the long-standing Petro-Canada Lubricants facility on Southdown Road. After more than 80 years of refining activity in Mississauga, the planned 2027 transition marks an important change for this 427 acre Southdown Road property — and potentially a significant environmental improvement for Clarkson, South Mississauga and Oakville.
The facility, now owned by American company HF Sinclair, has operated in Clarkson for decades and is Canada’s largest producer of base oils used to manufacture lubricants. According to recently announced plans, the company intends to end base-oil refining operations in 2027, while continuing to use the Mississauga site for lubricant blending, packaging, storage, research and distribution. For residents of Clarkson and surrounding communities, the change should represent a meaningful improvement in local air quality.
Petroleum refining involves furnaces, sulphur-recovery processes and other industrial operations that can produce emissions including sulphur compounds. Some sulphur compounds are also associated with the distinctive petroleum or “refinery” odours that residents in the surrounding area have periodically noticed. Ending the refining process should substantially reduce the site’s industrial emissions and the potential for refinery-related odours.
The change is particularly welcome given the facility’s proximity to established residential neighbourhoods and environmentally sensitive areas, including the Rattray Marsh. ‘We feel this will positively affect real estate values in the area moving forward’ says Kevin Larose. If you have been thinking of selling your home this year, let's chat!
