Alberta has seen a 131 per cent increase in the number of wells drilled over the first quarter of this year. 1,200 new wells were drilled during the first three months of 2017, up from 520 a year ago.
That’s the biggest jump in the country and the most activity in western Canada. Active rigs have also more than doubled from 101 in January to March last year to 210 this year.
The Petroleum Services Association of Canada has dramatically increased its drilling forecast for the province as well, up 75 per cent to more than 3,300 wells in 2017. Energy Minister Marg McCuaig-Boyd says she’s personally seen the boost in activity near her home in Fairview, and a positive spinoff on local hotels, restaurants and hardware stores.
