March 6 , 2007

McGUINTY GOVERNMENT INVESTS IN OIL MUSEUM OF CANADA
Capital Grants Help Create Jobs and Stimulate the Economy

OIL SPRINGS — The Oil Museum of Canada will look its best when it celebrates the 150th anniversary of the world’s first commercial oil well, thanks to funding for retrofits and improvements, Minister of Culture Caroline Di Cocco announced today.

“The museum highlights the economic and cultural impact that Lambton County had on the world as a result of its petroleum industry,” said Di Cocco.  “The McGuinty government is pleased to provide support that will allow the museum to complete improvements ahead of schedule.”

Opened in 1960, the Oil Museum of Canada is located on the site where the first commercial oil well in North America was dug in 1858.  The museum is open year round to serve both local residents and tourists visiting Lambton County.  Permanent exhibits focus on the early history of the oil industry in North America and Lambton County.  Exterior exhibits include simulated working oil wells and period oil equipment and machinery.  Special public events are offered at the museum throughout the year.  The Oil Museum is commemorated as a national historic site.

Lambton’s Oil Heritage District celebrates 15 distinct world firsts, including the first gusher and the first commercial oil well in North America.  Lambton County is preparing to ask the United Nations to declare the district a World Heritage Site, a process that takes a decade of preparation.

Robert Tremain, museum curator for the County of Lambton, said, “This is a marvelous one-time opportunity for the Oil Museum of Canada to share Lambton County's proud and lengthy history of oil technology with the people of Ontario.  We are delighted that the Ontario Ministry of Culture is supporting us with funding and will join us in celebrating the 150th anniversary of our historic achievements in 2008.”  

The funding of $225,000 is part of the McGuinty government’s $190 million economic stimulus package designed to boost jobs and growth in Ontario.

“This government is providing $6.8 million to libraries, museums and heritage buildings across the province for ready-to-go infrastructure projects,” said Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP, Maria Van Bommel. “The projects will help create jobs and economic activity in many communities outside major urban centres.”

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Contacts:
Mark Thompson, Minister’s Office, (416) 325-4071
Guy Lepage, Communications Branch, (416) 314-3497