Developments in Western Canada in 1952

Abstract

Exploration and development activities in Western Canada were greater than in any previous year and new records were established. Alberta led in activity. Saskatchewan was second. 174 geophysical parties were operating at mid-year but the number was reduced to 168 parties at the year's end. Land and lease activity was high and more than 200 million acres are estimated to be under lease or reservation. Drilling activity also was high with 253 drilling rigs operating at mid-year. The number had declined to 226 rigs at the year's end. 879 exploratory tests were drilled, of which 27 per cent were successful. 146 new fields were discovered of which 77 were oil fields. 1,277 development wells were drilled, an increase of 492 over the previous year. Of these, 89.5 per cent were successful. Production in Western Canada for the year was 61.6 million barrels, an increase of 13.7 million barrels over 1951. Production averaged 167,000 b/d. Crude-oil reserves increased from 1,376 million barrels to 1,745 million barrels. Natural-gas reserves also were increased, but export, except on a limited scale, was not permitted. Important discoveries of oil were made in Alberta along trends of reef producing fields. Important oil discoveries were made also in southwestern Saskatchewan in post-Paleozoic beds. Significant discoveries of oil were made in southeastern Saskatchewan in Mississippian and younger strata. Pipeline transportation was enlarged by new construction and additional construction is under way and planned. Manufacturing facilities were expanded in Western Canada and Ontario to handle Western Canadian crude. The increased outlets will result eventually in increased rates of production in Western Canadian oil fields.