The number of oil wells in Saskatchewan is up -- way up -- compared to the numbers in 2009.

With over 2,000 well operating, Saskatchewan has seen a 96 per cent jump over 2009.


Energy Minister Bill Boyd contends this is genuine work.

"This is definitely not exploratory drilling. I think this is drilling for production," said Boyd.

"I think this is a result of the strong land sales that we've seen over the last 18 months or so."

Those numbers are concentrated in certain areas of the province.

"It's still concentrated largely down in the southeast in the Bakken play, however there's strong interest on the west side in the Viking formation and also, up in the Lloydminster area as well, "said Boyd.

While this increased interest in Saskatchewan has meant more work for certain government departments to ensure the province's environmental concerns are affected.

"The Department of Environment and the Department of Energy and Resources are doing a very, very good job in terms of making sure the environment is protected, even though we're seeing a much stronger interest in the oil sector here in Saskatchewan," said Boyd.

The money made from oil drilling will help to swell the provincial treasury in a year that has seen increased spending to help those affected by natural disasters this summer.

Source: News Talk 980