In southwestern Ontario, exploration drilling decreased slightly from 93 tests in 1963 to 91 in 1964. However, development drilling reversed the declining trend of the past few years, increasing from 109 wells in 1963 to 125 in 1964. Combined exploration and development drilling not only resulted in an increase in the number of wells, but also in the average depth per well. This took place because of continued interest in the Cambrian. Offshore drilling decreased for the second consecutive year, from 35 wells in 1963 to 20 in 1964. For the first time in recent years there was no exploratory drilling on Lake Erie. Oil production in Ontario set a new record of 1,243,784 bbls., whereas gas production decreased to an estimated 14 BCF as a result of some fields being converted to gas storage.

Of the four oil and three gas discoveries in 1964, none appears to have added appreciably to the total oil and gas reserves, although further development drilling may prove the pools to be larger than indicated.

In the Hudson Bay lowlands, there are 54,773,326 acres under permit. Aeromagnetic and seismic surveys were conducted by combined Federal and Provincial governments. Industry activity appeared to be confined to evaluating the results of these surveys.

There was no development drilling in Quebec. Exploration consisted of 10 tests and 16½ crew-months of field activity. No production was reported from the Pointe-du-Lac gas field during the year.

In the Maritime Provinces, there was no development drilling. One exploratory well was drilled in the Fox Harbour-Pugwash area of Nova Scotia. Oil production in New Brunswick continued to decline, but gas production for the second consecutive year showed a minor increase. Holdings on land were relatively stable; however, offshore acreage acquired to date now amounts to 69,115,823 acres, a considerable increase above 1963. Industry geophysical and geological field activity showed a slight increase from 6 to 7 months. Government and scientific institution surveys added 23½ party-months to total activity.