In Ontario, both exploratory and development drilling decreased from 1961. Although the total number of wells drilled continued to decline for the sixth consecutive year, combined footage increased over the previous year. This reflected the increased interest shown in deeper Cambrian formations, following the discovery of the Clearville oil field. The number of offshore exploratory tests was identical to 1961, but offshore development drilling increased appreciably. The production of oil declined slightly from that of 1961 to 1,134,500 bbls. whereas natural gas production increased substantially to 15,600,000 Mcf.

The minor production of both gas and oil in New Brunswick continued to decline as expected and no development drilling was carried out.

In Quebec, 2 dry exploration tests, 7 development wells, and 10 structure tests were drilled, a substantial decrease from the 57 wells drilled in 1961. For the second consecutive year, there was no drilling activity in the Atlantic region.

Of the 8 successful exploratory ventures in Ontario, the Clearville oil field was by far the most significant discovery. Other successes added to the oil reserves of the Gobles field and important additions to the Silurian gas fields in Lake Erie.

Acreage held by Industry increased by approximately 15% in Ontario, remained static in Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland, and decreased in the other three provinces. Field activity in Eastern Canada, including both geophysical and geological parties, decreased from 31 to 22¼, party-months.