Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks

Norfolk County continues to face significant environmental and public safety challenges related to abandoned gas wells and ongoing shoreline erosion. These issues pose risks to residents, infrastructure, and local businesses—particularly along Forestry Farm Road and the Lake Erie shoreline. Addressing them requires coordinated provincial involvement and sustained investment to ensure long-term safety and stability for our communities. 

Where we're at

Forestry Farm Road – Abandoned Gas Wells 

Testing and monitoring on Forestry Farm Road are ongoing due to both subsurface and surface concerns associated with abandoned gas wells. These conditions continue to raise health and safety questions for nearby residents and require coordinated action from multiple ministries to advance solutions.

Lake Erie Shoreline Erosion 

Norfolk County is experiencing severe and accelerating shoreline erosion along Lake Erie, impacting homes, businesses, public infrastructure, and natural assets. The scale of required mitigation work exceeds municipal capacity, and a long-term strategy cannot be achieved without dedicated provincial partnership and funding.

Our ask

Norfolk County respectfully requests that the Province: 

• Coordinate cross-ministry efforts to advance solutions for the ongoing abandoned gas well issues on Forestry Farm Road, including both subsurface and surface remediation work. 
• Commit to a significant provincial investment to address Lake Erie shoreline erosion, which continues to endanger local residents, businesses, and infrastructure. 
• Arrange meetings with relevant provincial staff to discuss technical requirements, funding opportunities, and the development of a joint long-term strategy to combat shoreline erosion.