Norman Wells: The Oil Center of the Northwest Territories

• Published in: ARCTIC
• Main Authors: Bone, Robert M., Mahnic, Robert J.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: The Arctic Institute of North America 1984
• Subjects: Economic conditions; History; Mineral industries; Norman Wells Oilfield Expansion and Pipeline Project; Petroleum industry; Petroleum pipelines; Socio-economic effects; Towns; Norman Wells; N.W.T; Mackenzie River; Northwest Territories; Arctic; Mackenzie river
• Online Access: https://journalhosting.ucalgary.ca/index.php/arctic/article/view/65215

In 1920, a drilling team funded by Imperial Oil discovered a petroleum deposit along the shore of the Mackenzie River north of the settlement of Fort Norman. This wilderness site later became the community of Norman Wells and its growth has been directly attributable to petroleum. The current expansion of production at Norman Wells is aimed at southern Canadian markets and a pipeline is being constructed from Norman Wells to existing pipelines in northern Alberta. As the focal point of this major resource expansion, the character, size, and functions of the community are changing. These changes are transforming Norman Wells into an important regional center.Key words: Norman Wells, petroleum development Mots clés: Norman Wells, l'expoitation du pétrole