News

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) will be conducting gas detection surveys in the Jarvis area from October 25 until the end of November as part of its Legacy Oil and Gas Wells Action Plan. Residents may see gas detection vehicles and drones in the area as the survey work is completed.

Some surveys will be conducted via detection vehicles, which will be slow moving with aerial-mounted gas detection equipment on top. Others will be conducted within the municipal right-of-way or by drone surveys collecting gas readings.

None of the survey methods will collect photographs or recognizable imagery. Based on the survey results, the MNR may contact individual landowners/occupants seeking permission to undertake additional testing on private properties.

More than half of the wells in Ontario are abandoned. There are about 6,000 known legacy oil and gas wells in both Haldimand and Norfolk counties, with 56 per cent of them in Haldimand. The province recently provided funding to municipalities – including Haldimand and Norfolk counties – to address mitigation and emergency preparedness initiatives.

Leaking wells may release hydrogen sulphide (H2S), a poisonous gas that smells like rotten eggs, and methane, an odourless and flammable gas. The health effects from breathing in these chemicals can vary depending on how much is in the air.

Anyone can look at the province’s Petroleum Well Map to find out if there is a record of a well on their property. There is an Oil, Gas and Salt Resources Library Petroleum Well Map that can be used to find more detailed records.

The following sites or signs may indicate an abandoned well: 

• Farm properties with multiple farmsteads, abandoned structures, uncultivated sites or sinking land.
• Farm areas with stunted vegetation, compacted trails, oil residue, or abandoned drilling pads.
• Patches of dead vegetation or soil staining.
• A rotten egg smell caused by hydrogen sulphide.
• Natural gas bubbling in well water.

If you smell H2S (rotten eggs) near your home and suspect a leaking gas well, immediately contact:

The Spills Action Centre: 416-325-3000 | (toll-free) 1-800-268-6060 | (TYY) 1-855-889-5775

More information about abandoned oil and gas wells is available on the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit website and via the Abandoned Works Program page at Ontario.ca. For more information on the gas detection work specifically, contact the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

On Thursday, October 17, 24, SOAR Community Services – in partnership with the Haldimand Business Development and Planning Advisory Committee, the Economic Development and Tourism Division, and the Grand Erie Business Centre – hosted a successful Job Fair at the Riverside Exhibition Centre.

The Job Fair saw participation from 31 local employers such as Stelco, Libro Credit Union, West Haldimand General Hospital, Haldimand O.P.P. and many more, who exhibited and showcased what opportunities are available for the local labour force. The event was a major success and saw over 237 job seekers and spectators in attendance over the course of the three hour event.

“The Job Fair was a tremendous success, drawing in employers and job seekers from all over Haldimand County,” shared Lidy Romanuk, Haldimand County’s Manager of Economic Development and Tourism. “Organizing an event that aligns local talent with local employers is truly a win-win for the County as it not only strengthens our economy, but also our local business community, ensuring a successful future,” she continued.

“Connecting job seekers with local businesses is a core aspect of programming,” added Malcolm Whyte, Director of Services, Employment & Justice with SOAR Community Services. “Showing local job seekers the opportunities that exist right outside their door, and keeping local talent local, is the ultimate success. Job Fairs are a perfect example of how we can do that.”

Tauri Caputo, General Manager of Grand Erie Business Centre, emphasized the importance of the event: “Job fairs like this are critical to connecting job seekers with businesses that are looking to grow. We are proud to support this initiative as it not only provides immediate job opportunities but also helps foster long-term relationships between employers, local service providers, and the local workforce.”

Preliminary planning has begun for another Job Fair, which is scheduled to be hosted in the early spring. Information regarding this event will be released closer to the selected date.  Employers interested receiving registration information directly can connect with Haldimand Economic Development & Tourism at Opportunity@HaldimandCounty.on.ca.

For more information about employment services available to Haldimand County employers visit SOAR Community Services online at www.soarcs.ca.

Haldimand County's public statement re: Jesse Little.