Province investing $7.5 million to help communities enhance emergency preparedness
NORFOLK COUNTY – The Ontario government is investing $7.5 million over three years to help keep municipalities safe from the risks associated with old and inactive oil and gas wells. The funding will be used by municipalities to enhance emergency preparedness within their communities and prevent emergencies. This investment is the next step in the province’s $23.6 million action plan to tackle the challenges related to legacy oil and gas wells.
“We heard from municipalities across Southern Ontario that they need help addressing the complex challenges related to inactive oil and gas wells in their communities”, said Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. “This investment will help municipalities like Norfolk County build capacity through training and the acquisition of equipment, which will increase their understanding of risks and help to mitigate those risks.”
During its first year, the program will provide $2 million in funding to up to nine municipalities to fund activities focused on improving emergency preparedness and risk prevention.
As part of this investment, Norfolk County will be provided $280,000 to purchase gas monitoring and health and safety equipment, provide health and safety training to staff and develop an education campaign for residents.
“Norfolk appreciates the province’s support with this regional matter and the acknowledgement that municipalities need to be equipped to address issues like this that cross multiple municipal boundaries,” said Norfolk County Mayor Amy Martin. “Community safety remains our shared top priority. The funding provided to Norfolk will help us better communicate the dangers associated with abandoned wells and monitor problematic wells.”
In addition to Norfolk County, the following municipalities have been approved for funding in year one:
- Municipality of Chatham-Kent
- Lambton County
- Oxford County
- Brant County
- Elgin County
- Essex County
- Haldimand County
- Regional Municipality of Niagara
The government will continue to work collaboratively with and seek input from partners to ensure future funding remains responsive to municipal needs.