The Ontario government has disclosed that it is investing $23.6 million to develop a province-wide strategy that includes identifying and plugging old oil and gas wells to keep communities safe.
A release by the government said an additional $2.5 million will be allocated to the Municipality of Chatham-Kent to assist with costs associated with emergency management from the 2021 explosion in the community of Wheatley.
Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry said “This investment represents the first step in our government’s action plan to address the challenges and risks old oil and gas wells pose to communities across Ontario,”
“With this funding, Chatham-Kent and other affected municipalities will be able to help keep their communities safe and prevent petroleum-related emergencies in the future.”
It was clarified that the $23.6 million will be used to develop an oil and gas action plan to help address the risks of old wells and conduct science and research to better understand the risks that old oil and gas wells pose.
The funding includes: $7.5 million over three years to directly support municipalities in their efforts to reduce risks and enhance emergency preparedness within their communities. Eligible municipalities will be invited to apply for funding for these activities in the coming weeks;
It also includes doubling of the existing Abandoned Works Program over three years to $6 million to support the plugging of old oil and gas wells.
The government said an additional $2.5 million will go directly to the Municipality of Chatham-Kent to help with ongoing emergency management costs associated with the Wheatley explosion. To date, Ontario has invested over $25 million to support the investigation, recovery and monitoring activities in Chatham-Kent, as well as support for eligible businesses and residents who were evacuated from their homes.
“We are continuing to listen to our residents and local leaders to ensure our government’s plan addresses the needs of communities across Ontario, including Chatham-Kent,” said Trevor Jones, MPP for Chatham-Kent-Leamington.
“This funding will help municipalities address the risks posed by old oil and gas wells and help keep communities safe.”
The statement added that the provincial action plan will continue to be guided by ongoing engagement and feedback from industry, municipalities, Indigenous partners, other key stakeholders, and the public.
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