The Ontario government will invest $2.5 million this year to help municipalities better manage the hazards posed by old and inactive oil and gas wells.
Elgin county would be eligible for funding.
It is part of a three-year, 7.5 million dollars in spending to help communities with emergency preparedness.
The province says the funding is the next step in its plan to tackle the challenges related to legacy oil and gas wells.
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.
Ontario has records for approximately 27,000 oil and gas wells, primarily on private land in southwestern Ontario.
The greatest need for funding is predominantly in rural municipalities in southwestern Ontario where local geology and naturally occurring petroleum resources can pose risks to public health and safety and the environment.
On August 26, 2021, an explosion occurred in downtown Wheatley because of gas surfacing through an old water well in the area. Three wells of concern were located and plugged in September 2022.
