The Ontario government is investing an additional $4 million to protect communities from the risks of old and inactive oil and gas wells. Nine municipalities across southwestern Ontario will receive provincial funding to enhance emergency preparedness and response, as part of the government's $23.6 million Legacy Oil and Gas Wells Action Plan.
"Today's announcement is yet another step our government is taking to help municipalities keep their communities safe from the risks of old and inactive oil and gas wells," said Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources. "This investment is helping us protect Ontario's communities today, while building a strong, safe and more resilient future."
Since 2023, Ontario has provided close to $10 million to help municipalities purchase specialized equipment, deliver critical training programs, collaborate across municipal borders and enhance emergency response capacity to keep communities safe from oil and gas related emergencies. Funds have been used to purchase emergency response equipment, provide health and safety training to municipal staff and improve public education and awareness.
"This important investment reflects Ontario's commitment to protect families and communities across Ontario," said Jill Dunlop, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response. "Preventing oil and gas related emergencies is critical to ensuring public safety and is a key component of our government's plan to enhance Ontario's ability to be safe, practiced and prepared."
Minister Harris made the announcement in the County of Brant, which is receiving up to $185,000 to support the purchase of new equipment such as a drone for hazardous gas detection, an inflatable emergency shelter and additional specialized gas detectors.
In addition to the County of Brant, eight other southwest municipalities are receiving funding, including the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, Norfolk County, Lambton County, Oxford County, Elgin County, Essex County, Haldimand County and the Regional Municipality of Niagara.
The province continues to make progress under the Action Plan and December 16's funding advances this commitment to protecting communities and enhancing public safety. Ontario will continue to work closely with municipal partners to ensure the proper tools, training and resources are in place to keep people and communities safe.
Quick Facts
- Ontario's petroleum industry began in 1858 when North America's first commercial oil well was dug at Oil Springs.
- The province has records for approximately 27,000 oil and gas wells, primarily on private land in southwestern Ontario.
- The Abandoned Works Program 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 environment. To date, the province has invested $36.4 million to plug 454 wells across Ontario.
- Ontario recently passed the Resource Management and Safety Act, 2025 which includes amendments to the Oil, Gas and Salt Resources Act that will strengthen the government's ability to protect public safety and the environment by addressing hazardous oil and gas wells in cases of operator non-compliance.
Quotes
"I am so pleased that Ontario is taking a whole-of-government approach to public safety. This additional funding will help the County of Brant mitigate public health and safety issues that may arise from these old wells."
- Will Bouma, MPP for Brantford--Brant
"On behalf of the County of Brant, I want to express our appreciation to the Province for this significant funding. We remain committed to emergency planning and preparedness, and this investment provides our staff and first responders with the additional resources they need to keep residents safe and informed."
- David Bailey, Mayor of the County of Brant
"We are grateful to be receiving this third-year of funding from the Province, highlighting their commitment to keeping communities safe. Legacy oil and gas wells are present in the County, and by equipping our staff and first responders with specialized tools and training, we are providing essential support to assist in managing emergencies and protecting our community."
- Darren Watson, Fire Chief, County of Brant
"The Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs applauds the third-year investment under the Municipal Transfer Payment Program for mitigating risks associated with oil and gas related issues in Ontario. The OAFC continues to work with Minister Mike Harris and the Government of Ontario on this important issue."
- Jeremy Parkin, Fire Chief and President, Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs
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