Chatham-Kent is getting $12.3 million to further support the municipality's investigation, emergency management, and recovery efforts following the massive explosion in Wheatley in 2021.
This new funding will help cover emergency management expenses, site examinations and remediation, and the revitalization of the site in downtown Wheatley, according to the provincial government.
"This funding is extremely important to the people of Wheatley, a strong community that has experienced so much over the last few years. 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," said Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff.
The $16 million in provincial funding announced on Monday also includes $3.8 million to help nine municipalities across southwestern Ontario that are affected by oil and gas related issues enhance local emergency preparedness and risk prevention. The 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 Associate Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response and MPP for Chatham-Kent-Leamington Trevor Jones. “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 said it has invested over $39 million to support the investigation and recovery and monitoring activities in Chatham-Kent since 2021, including support for eligible businesses and residents.
The explosion in downtown Wheatley on August 26, 2021 was due to gas surfacing through an old water well in the area.
The province also said it has records for approximately 27,000 oil and gas wells, primarily on private land in southwestern Ontario.