New Northern Wealth

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Government-financed drilling rig at Pine River, 1942. RBCM.
This is a black and white photograph of a government-financed drilling rig at Pine River, British Columbia.
The Peace River region's potential as an oil and gas area was recognized early in the 1900s but in 1919 the British Columbia government placed a moratorium on exploration. However, the government decided to cash in on the demand for oil and began a drilling program in the 1940s. This exploratory drilling was unsuccessful, and the moratorium was lifted in 1946. Businesses flocked into the region seeking oil and gas. Natural gas wells were found almost immediately but it was not until 1951 that an oil well was drilled near Fort St. John.
Used drill bits, Pine River, 1942. RBCM.
This is a black and white photograph of two men standing behind a pile of used drill bits at Pine River.
Camp at Pine River, 1942. RBCM.
This is a black and white photograph of a row of cabins at a camp at Pine River, British Columbia.
Drilling for natural gas near Fort St. John, 1985. BC Archives I-22200.
This is a black and white photograph of three men drilling for natural gas near Fort St. John, British Columbia.
Rotary drill bit. RBCM 2003.43.2.
This is a photograph of a rotary drill bit.
Oil and gas exploration can have serious environmental consequences. Seismic exploration has cut huge swaths through the forest and left many drill holes. Seismic hole plug. RBCM 988.27.3.
This is a photograph of yellow Seismic hole plug.
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