More provincial funding is being given to the Municipality of Chatham-Kent and eight other communities across southern Ontario to better manage the risks posed by old oil and gas wells.
The province said it will invest $4 million over three years to enhance emergency preparedness within communities and prevent emergencies associated with abandoned wells.
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.
The province has records for approximately 27,000 oil and gas wells, primarily on private land in southwestern Ontario.
“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.”
Along with Chatham-Kent, funding is being made available to Lambton County, Elgin County, Essex County, Oxford County, Brant County, Norfolk County, Haldimand County, and the Regional Municipality of Niagara.
