Ontario Invests $2.5 Million to Safeguard Communities from Legacy Oil and Gas Well Risks
LAMBTON COUNTY – The Ontario government is allocating $2.5 million this year to aid municipalities in managing the hazards posed by old and inactive oil and gas wells. This funding is part of a three-year, $7.5 million investment aimed at bolstering emergency preparedness across the province, marking the latest phase in the government’s $23.6 million action plan to address the challenges associated with legacy oil and gas wells.
Graydon Smith, Ontario’s Minister of Natural Resources, highlighted the importance of these investments in enhancing community safety, especially in regions like Lambton County, where the presence of old oil and gas wells is significant. “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 Smith. “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.”
[1/2] I was in @CountyofLambton with MPP @spinsonneaultpc this morning to share that our government is investing $2.5M to enhance emergency preparedness and reduce risks in municipalities, as part of our Legacy Oil and Gas Wells Action Plan. pic.twitter.com/7pUlA8Snzt
— Graydon Smith (@GraydonTheMPP) June 12, 2024
In 2023, nearly $2 million was distributed to nine municipalities in southwestern Ontario, including Lambton County. These funds were used to acquire emergency response equipment, provide health and safety training for municipal staff, and increase public education and awareness. This year, Lambton County will receive $105,000 to build on last year’s efforts and initiate new projects aimed at improving emergency preparedness and reducing community risks.
“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 of Lambton County.
In addition to Lambton County, other municipalities eligible for funding this year include:
- Municipality of Chatham-Kent
- Oxford County
- Brant County
- Elgin County
- Essex County
- Haldimand County
- Norfolk County
- Regional Municipality of Niagara
The 2024 investment will also support collaborative projects and partnerships between municipalities focused on research, public education, and outreach campaigns.
The Ontario government is committed to working alongside municipal partners and actively seeking their input to ensure that future funding remains adaptable to the evolving needs of Ontario communities. This continued collaboration aims to enhance emergency preparedness and effectively manage the risks associated with legacy oil and gas wells, ensuring safer communities across the province.