Ontario Keeping Niagara Safe from Risks Associated with Old Oil and Gas Wells

Beamsville – The Ontario government is investing $280,000 this year to help the Regional Municipality of Niagara better manage the hazards posed by old and inactive oil and gas wells.

The local funding is part of a $2.5 million investment in 2024 to help nine municipalities across Southwestern Ontario enhance emergency preparedness.

“There are several old and inactive oil and gas wells across Niagara, especially in the Southern part of the Region,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West.

“This renewed funding will help protect our local environment, manage risks associated with abandoned wells and help keep communities safe.”

“On behalf of Regional Council, I would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the provincial government for their investment of $280,000 to assist in safeguarding our environment from the impacts of inactive oil and gas wells,” said Jim Bradley, Chair of the Regional Municipality of Niagara.

“This renewed funding is a testament to the government’s commitment to environmental stewardship and the protection of our natural resources.”

This year’s investment will also allocate a portion of funding to support collaborative projects and partnerships between municipalities that pursue research, public education and outreach campaigns.

“As we enter this next chapter of our action plan to tackle the challenges related to legacy oil and gas wells, I am pleased to see how municipalities are finding new and innovative ways to address risks and enhance local emergency planning,” said Hon. Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources.

“We understand the significance of this issue in Niagara and across Southwestern Ontario and that is why we are continuing to make investments to help keep communities safe.”

In 2023, the province provided the nine municipalities with close to $2 million to purchase emergency response equipment, enhance municipal staff health and safety training and increase public education and awareness.

The Regional Municipality of Niagara used last year’s funding to purchase equipment to support emergency response and provide additional health and safety training to staff.

The Ontario government will continue to work alongside municipal partners and actively seek their input to ensure future funding remains adaptable to the needs of communities.