During 1957, 3,001 wells were completed in Western Canada, a decrease of 9% below the 1956 level. Of these, 1,058 were exploratory, an increase of 18%; the over-all decline was the result of an 18% drop in development drilling. Alberta completions accounted for 48% of the total, Saskatchewan 41%, Manitoba 7%, British Columbia 3%, and the Northwest Territories less than 1%. Increases in exploratory drilling were noted in all areas except Saskatchewan, where there was no essential change. Alberta and Manitoba both recorded a sharp decline in development drilling while Saskatchewan and British Columbia showed moderate increases. Four exploratory tests were completed in the Northwest Territories, while the Yukon recorded the start of its first well. The most significant disco eries were made in Alberta and British Columbia, with most encouragement found in sediments of Devonian and Mississippian age. Success rates remained high except in Manitoba. Geophysical activity continued at a level slightly below 1956.

A large part of the prospective acreage in Western Canada continued to be held under lease or reservation, and there was increased land activity in the Northwest Territories and the Yukon.

Oil production was up slightly, but was severely curtailed by market proration, notably in Alberta. Gas from northeastern British Columbia and adjacent areas of Alberta reached southern British Columbia and the United States Pacific Northwest as the Westcoast Transmission line was completed. The partly completed Trans-Canada pipeline began delivering gas for consumption as far east as Port Arthur.