Ontario Supporting Municipalities Facing Challenges with Abandoned Oil and Gas Wells
Province investing $7.5 million to help keep communities safe
LAMBTON COUNTY – The Ontario government is investing $105,000 to help protect the County of Lambton from the challenges associated with old and inactive oil and gas wells. The funding will be used to purchase emergency response equipment and provide health and safety training to staff.
“I’m extremely pleased that the province is making this investment in community safety in Lambton County,” said Sarnia-Lambton MPP Bob Bailey. “Our long history of oil production means there are many old wells in our area; ensuring we have the proper resources to safely manage them is important.”
Ontario is investing $7.5 million over three years to help municipalities in their efforts to reduce risks associated with old oil and gas wells and enhance emergency preparedness within their communities. This funding is part of a $23.6 million investment the government is making to manage the risks posed by old oil and gas wells and subsurface gas migration hazards to help keep people and communities safe.
“We heard from municipalities across Southern Ontario that they need support in addressing the complex challenges related to the use of petroleum resources in their communities”, said Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. “This investment will help municipalities build capacity, increase their understanding of risks, and begin to take specific mitigating actions.”
The government will continue to work collaboratively with and seek input from partners to ensure the funding program remains responsive to municipal needs in future years.
QUICK FACTS
- Ontario has records for approximately 27,000 oil and gas wells, primarily on private land in southwestern Ontario.
- The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry administers the Abandoned Works Program, which supports the plugging of inactive oil and gas wells that are at heightened risk to public safety or the environment by providing financial assistance to eligible landowners. To date, the province has spent $29.5 million to plug 415 wells across Ontario.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Ontario Taking Action to Address Risks Posed by Abandoned Oil and Gas Wells
Ontario Continuing Support for Wheatley
Melissa Candelaria
Minister’s Office
647-448-7652
Melissa.Candelaria@ontario.ca