During 1961, both exploratory and development activity in Ontario decreased slightly from that of 1960. Offshore activity which decreased by 50% in 1960 from the previous year, remained nearly the same during 1961 with 36 completions. Although production of natural gas declined slightly to 14,500,000 MCF, oil production reached a new peak of 1,148,000 bbls.

In Quebec, although only one significant bedrock exploratory test was drilled, shallow drilling for drift gas showed a substantial increase over 1960. There was no drilling activity in the Atlantic region.

Four significant discoveries were made in Ontario during the year, 2 in Essex County and 1 each in Oxford and Brant Counties. In Quebec, 4 successful outposts extended the productive limits of the Pointe du Lac drift gas pool.

Acreage held by Industry decreased slightly in Ontario, increased substantially in Quebec, and remained about the same in the Atlantic region. Field-party activity, combined geological and geophysical, increased by approximately 13% in Eastern Canada.