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

Greenhill Gardens closed; upkeep of six-acre garden ‘challenging’

June 16, 2025

The Independent Greenhill Gardens – a once privately-owned oasis in Wilkesport – is closed to the public. That from the St. Clair Region Conservation Foundation which took over the grounds in 2024. The gardens were cultivated by Joy Robson for years and her husband, Bill, allowed people to come and walk through the gardens for free. After the death of

Read More

Image
Front Page

Thedford EMS changes years away

June 15, 2025

The Independent Thedford residents won’t be losing their ambulance station for some time. That from Lambton County officials. Last month, Lambton Shores councillors voiced concern about a county plan which would close the Thedford station and have Forest paramedics to cover their calls. Lambton EMS also plans to move the Grand Bend station near Pinery Park hoping to provide better

Read More

Image
Front Page

No ATV rally for Petrolia Ag Society

June 15, 2025

The Independent There will not be ATVs rumbling through Petrolia this summer. Kelly Humphrey of the Petrolia Enniskillen Agricultural Society came to council in mid-May asking if PEAS could host an ATV rally with Greenwood Park as a starting and finishing point and using Petrolia streets to get to the starting and finishing point.  Julie Bullock, director of parks and

Read More

Image
Front Page

Fair banner may not fly

June 14, 2025

The Independent The Moore Agricultural Society has some big plans for the 175th anniversary of the Brigden Fair. But not all of their plans may work out. The ag society has asked for and received several approvals from St. Clair Township council for special events at the landmark fair including allowing a low-level Canadian Armed Forces Flyby and helicopter landings

Read More