LAMBTON COUNTY – The Ontario government is investing $2.5 million this year to help municipalities better manage the hazards posed by old and inactive oil and gas wells.
The funding is part of a three-year, $7.5 million investment to help communities enhance emergency preparedness and is the next step in the government’s $23.6 million action plan to tackle the challenges related to legacy oil and gas wells.
“As we enter this next chapter of our action plan, I am pleased to see how municipalities are finding new and innovative ways to address risks posed by old oil and gas wells and enhance local emergency planning,” said Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources. “We understand the significance of this issue in Lambton County and across southwestern Ontario and that is why we are continuing to make investments to help keep communities safe.”
In 2023, the province provided nine municipalities across southwestern Ontario with close to $2 million to purchase emergency response equipment, enhance municipal staff health and safety training and increase public education and awareness.
Lambton County used last year’s funding to purchase new equipment, provide health and safety training to staff and subscribe to petroleum industry databases.
This year, Lambton County is eligible again to receive $105,000 to build on existing projects and initiate new activities to enhance emergency preparedness and reduce risks within the community.
“The County of Lambton is looking forward to continuing work on collaborative activities with our municipal partners to build capacity for emergency preparedness and risk prevention, and increase the understanding of potential risks within Lambton County,” said Kevin Marriott, Warden, County of Lambton.
In addition to Lambton County, the following municipalities will be eligible for funding this year:
- Municipality of Chatham-Kent
- Oxford County
- Brant County
- Elgin County
- Essex County
- Haldimand County
- Norfolk County
- Regional Municipality of Niagara
This year’s investment will also allocate a portion of funding to support collaborative projects and partnerships between municipalities that pursue research, public education and outreach campaigns.
The government will continue to work alongside municipal partners and actively seek their input to ensure future funding remains adaptable to the needs of Ontario communities.
Quick Facts
- Ontario has records for approximately 27,000 oil and gas wells, primarily on private land in southwestern Ontario.
- The greatest need for funding is predominantly in rural municipalities in southwestern Ontario where local geology and naturally occurring petroleum resources can pose risks to public health and safety and the environment.
- The Ministry of Natural Resources administers the Abandoned Works Program, which provides financial assistance to eligible landowners to support the plugging of oil and gas wells that are a high risk to public safety or the natural environment. To date, the province has invested $33 million to plug 440 wells across Ontario.
Quotes
"This vital investment demonstrates the Ontario government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities. By addressing these potential hazards, we are not only protecting our environment but also promoting a safer and more sustainable future for all residents of Lambton-Kent-Middlesex."
- Steve Pinsonneault
MPP Lambton-Kent-Middlesex
"The Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs is thankful for the important investments from the government of Ontario and Minister Smith in addressing and mitigating risks associated with Ontario’s legacy gas wells. The OAFC continues to work with the Minister and province on this important issue."
- Rob Grimwood
Deputy Chief and President, Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs