Ontario Invests $4 Million to Protect Communities from Legacy Oil and Gas Wells
Funding will support municipalities managing risks linked to legacy oil and gas wells across southwestern Ontario
COUNTY OF BRANT — The Ontario government is investing an additional $4 million to help municipalities across southwestern Ontario protect residents and businesses from the risks associated with old and inactive oil and gas wells.
The funding will support nine municipalities as part of the province’s $23.6 million Legacy Oil and Gas Wells Action Plan, with a focus on strengthening emergency preparedness, improving response capacity, and enhancing public safety in communities where legacy wells are present.
“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.”
Our government is investing $4 million to protect communities from old and inactive oil and gas wells. This funding will help 9 municipalities enhance emergency preparedness and response as part of the Legacy Oil and Gas Action Plan.
Learn more: https://t.co/f5xHu6YOUO pic.twitter.com/Vwn4WAlkMC
— Mike Harris (@mikeharrisjrpc) December 16, 2025
Supporting Emergency Preparedness at the Municipal Level
Since 2023, Ontario has provided nearly $10 million to municipalities to address risks tied to legacy oil and gas infrastructure. Funding has been used to purchase specialized emergency response equipment, deliver health and safety training for municipal staff, strengthen inter-municipal collaboration, and expand public education efforts.
“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.”
County of Brant Receives Targeted Funding
Minister Harris made the announcement in the County of Brant, which will receive up to $185,000 in provincial funding. The funding will support the purchase of new emergency equipment, including a drone for hazardous gas detection, an inflatable emergency shelter, and specialized gas detectors.
“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,” said Will Bouma, MPP for Brantford—Brant.
Local officials say the funding will strengthen frontline response capabilities.
“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,” said 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,” said Darren Watson, Fire Chief for the County of Brant.
Broader Regional Impact
In addition to the County of Brant, funding will be distributed to Chatham-Kent, Norfolk County, Lambton County, Oxford County, Elgin County, Essex County, Haldimand County, and the Regional Municipality of Niagara.
Fire service leaders across the province welcomed the continued investment.
“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,” said Jeremy Parkin, Fire Chief and President of the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs.
Addressing a Longstanding Safety Challenge
Ontario has records for approximately 27,000 oil and gas wells, most located on private land in southwestern Ontario. Through the Abandoned Works Program, the province has invested $36.4 million to date to plug 454 high-risk wells that pose potential threats to public safety or the environment.
The province recently strengthened oversight through the Resource Management and Safety Act, 2025, which amended the Oil, Gas and Salt Resources Act to better address hazardous wells in cases of operator non-compliance.
Provincial officials say the latest funding builds on ongoing efforts to ensure municipalities have the tools, training, and resources needed to manage risks tied to Ontario’s historic oil and gas infrastructure.
SOURCE: Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources
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