Province investing more than $16 million to help reduce risks and improve emergency planning
The Ontario government is investing over $16 million to support emergency management needs in communities and enhance local preparedness to address the complex challenges posed by oil and gas related issues.
This funding includes:
- $12.3 million to further support the Municipality of Chatham-Kent’s investigation, emergency management and recovery efforts following the Wheatley explosion in August 2021
- $3.8 million as part of the second year of Ontario’s Legacy Oil and Gas Wells Action Plan to help nine municipalities across southwestern Ontario enhance local emergency preparedness and risk prevention.
“Our government recognizes the significant and ongoing challenges that southwestern Ontario municipalities face in managing oil and gas related issues,” said Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources.
“We will continue to work alongside municipal partners to make progress under our Legacy Oil and Gas Wells Action Plan, assist in reducing local risks and strengthening emergency preparedness.”
Since 2021, the province has invested over $39 million to support investigation, recovery and monitoring activities in Chatham-Kent, including support for eligible businesses and residents. This new funding will help cover emergency management expenses, site examinations and remediation, as well as site revitalization of the downtown core.
“This funding is extremely important to the people of Wheatley, a strong community that has experienced so much over the last few years,” said Darrin Canniff, Mayor of Chatham-Kent.
“The province’s ongoing commitment to support communities living with the risks associated with oil and gas related issues is welcomed and further demonstrates the partnership the provincial government has forged with municipalities rising to this challenge.”
Under the Legacy Oil and Gas Wells Action Plan launched in 2023, the government is providing $5.8 million to municipalities in southwestern Ontario that are affected by oil and gas related issues. Funds have been used to purchase emergency response equipment, provide health and safety training to municipal staff and improve public education and awareness.
“The proactive management and prevention of oil and gas related issues are essential to ensuring public safety,” said Trevor Jones, Associate Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response and MPP for Chatham-Kent—Leamington.
“The investments announced today represent a key component of our government’s comprehensive plan to enhance Ontario’s readiness, resilience, and ability to respond effectively to any emergency.”
The province continues to make progress under the Action Plan and today’s funding advances this commitment to safeguarding communities and enhancing public safety.
“The Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs applauds these additional investments from Premier Ford and Minister Smith in addressing and mitigating risks associated with oil and gas related issues in Ontario,” said Rob Grimwood, Deputy Fire Chief and President, Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs. “The OAFC continues to work with the Government of Ontario on this important issue.”
Quick Facts:
- On August 26, 2021, an explosion occurred in downtown Wheatley because of gas surfacing through an old water well in the area.
- Ontario has records for approximately 27,000 oil and gas wells, primarily on private land in southwestern Ontario.
- 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.