Exploration and development activity in Western Canada was greater in 1950 than in 1949, at which time it was one of the most active areas in the world. Activity increased in all phases over 1949. Greatest activity was in Alberta.

The total number of wells drilled in Western Canada was 1,116 of which 1,034 were drilled in Alberta, 64 in Saskatchewan, 6 in Manitoba, and 12 in British Columbia. Alberta had 796 development wells and 238 exploratory wells. Of the 238 exploratory wells, 31 were outpost, 14 were newpool, three were deeper-pool and 190 were new-field. There were discoveries of 44 oil wells, 18 gas wells, and one gas-condensate well. Dry holes numbered 175 wells. The discovery rate in Alberta was 26.5 per cent of all exploratory wells drilled. Drilling rigs were scarce in the latter part of the year, with 140 rigs in operation.

The reflection seismograph was the most popular and was credited with 74 per cent of the discoveries. The number of geophysical crews engaged was slightly larger than in 1949 with 105 operating in December.

Developments in 1950 increased the estimated oil reserves in Western Canada to approximately 1,250 million barrels and also increased the potential gas reserves over 1949. Daily oil production averaged 74,000 barrels per day and late in the year, oil began moving eastward through the Inter-Provincial Pipeline. Applications for export of natural gas were denied because of insufficient measurable reserves.

Refining capacities were being increased in the Prairie provinces and preliminary studies began in connection with an oil pipe line to the Pacific Northwest.