Image

Petrolia Discovery is hoping to double its oil producing capacity by the end of the summer.

It has been a long time, perhaps as many as two years, since all the wells were operating at the site. At peak production and during high oil prices, producers say $250,000 can be generated from the wells on site.

But the foundation has had a difficult time keeping everything running over the last couple of years. Everything from vandalism, lack of cash and a record breaking storm hampered the effort to get all the wells working again.

All the oil revenue is pumped back into the site. The last audited figures show the Discovery Foundation made only $29,000 in revenue in 2013.

Right now, just five of the 20 wells are operational. But that is about to change.

Acting Chair of the Petrolia Discovery Foundation, Dawn Sperling, says Dundee Energy L.P.  has donated 130 lengths of pipe to the historic site – enough to get 10 of Discovery’s 20 pipes working again.

Sperling says Mark Redick of Redick Well Services, will be coming on site each week to repair one well, meaning by the end of the summer a total of 10 wells will be producing oil and much needed revenue for the site.

“Mark Redick approached us and wanted to help us get our wells up and running, knowing we needed pipe to do it,” says Sperling. Redick is a contractor working for Dundee Energy and he suggested the foundation ask for a donation.

Dundee Energy said yes and on June 30 delivered the first lengths of pipe. “This is an extremely generous offer and we greatly appreciate it,” says Sperling.

“Last few months we have had good oil production considering we only have just five wells running,” she says adding the current low price of oil means they aren’t making as much as they hoped.

Sperling is excited the community has stepped forward to help, adding Charlie Fairbank of Fairbank Oil has also been a great help as the Discovery reorganizes and repairs the problems on the historic oil fields.

“If I have any questions in regards to anything, he’s been a great source of information.”

Share This

Image
Front Page

Lambton launches $3.5 million campaign for Stones ‘N Bones Museum

September 17, 2026

The Independent Lambton County has launched a $3.5 million fundraising campaign to help create the Stones ‘N Bones Museum and transform the Sarnia Library. The campaign launched Sept. 10, with the Alix Foundation providing a $500,000 contribution designated for the children’s library. ““We hope this investment will help create meaningful experiences for children and families, inspiring a lifelong connection to

Read More

Image
Front Page

Firefighters, specialized equipment from St. Clair, local industry help put out ethanol plant fire in Chatham

September 16, 2026

The Independent Firefighters from Lambton County were among the first responders called to an early morning blaze at Chatham’s Ethanol Plant. Chatham-Kent firefighters were called to the Greenfield Global facility around midnight for a fire. By 3 am, firefighters from St. Clair Township, Borouge International – formerly NOVA – and Shell were on the scene to help with about 15

Read More

Image
Front Page

Enniskillen wants International Plowing Match info

September 16, 2026

Blake Ellis/The Independent The Township of Enniskillen will reach out to the Ontario Plowmen’s Association (OPA) to meet about plans for the International Plowing Match to be hosted in the township in 2027. During the Sept. 8 council meeting, Councillor Tim Williams questioned whether the township had been notified about the 2027 International Plowing Match. It was announced in April

Read More

Image
Front Page

Basement leak latest problem during Moore Sportsplex reno

September 16, 2026

The Independent Groundwater is seeping into the basement of the Mooretown Sports Complex It’s another problem uncovered during the renovation of the pool. Before the pool work began in April, council agreed to rebuild the change room. Contractors had found iron pipes in the walls were corroding. After finding some cash in the budget, council okayed that work. Then, in

Read More