WHEATLEY, ONT. — The Ontario government has announced it is investing $16 million to support emergency management needs in communities in order to address the complex challenges posed by oil and gas related issues.
The funding includes:
- $12.3 million to further support the Municipality of Chatham-Kent’s investigation, emergency management and recovery efforts following the Wheatley explosion in August 2021.
- $3.8 million as part of the second year of Ontario’s Legacy Oil and Gas Wells Action Plan to help nine municipalities across southwestern Ontario enhance local emergency preparedness and risk prevention.
According to a release, since 2021, the province has invested over $39 million to support investigation, recovery and monitoring activities in Chatham-Kent, including support for eligible businesses and residents. The community of 3,000 people on the shores of Lake Erie in Chatham-Kent was sent into disarray after a gas leak from an unknown source in the downtown core reached explosive levels of concentration.
This new funding will help cover emergency management expenses, site examinations and remediation as well as site revitalization of the downtown core.
Under the Legacy Oil and Gas Wells Action Plan launched in 2023, the government is providing $5.8 million to municipalities in southwestern Ontario that are affected by oil and gas related issues. Funds have been used to purchase emergency response equipment, provide health and safety training to municipal staff and improve public education and awareness.
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