What's Happening in Leduc, AB…

Leduc is a thriving community in Alberta with a growing and well known oil industry. Last week marked an important occasion in the community’s history and oil industry- the day that Leduc #1 turned 65. The site of the oil strike give rise to Western Canada’s modern oil industry, with local politicians oil workers and industry enthusiasts packing the Energy Discovery Centre last Monday to mark the occasion.

Open to the members of the public, the discovery of the oil site 65 years ago transformed the frozen wheat field and tiny village of Leduc into one of Alberta’s most thriving cities. Speakers of Leduc #1s crew and poster printings of the history of rig were displayed at the extensive celebration for attendees to witness the evolution of the industry and its impact on the community. Leduc #1’s president was well as former politicians were on site to comment on the discovery.

Though the rig has not been operational for nearly 40 years, it remains alive in the educational resources on the history and development of the oil industry through printed publications and exhibits. The original site has been a National Historic Site since 1990 and was transformed into a museum by the Leduc/Devon Oilfield Historical Society. Some of the exhibits include a virtual geological tour of the area 350 million years ago as well as models of Leduc #1 style rigs.

The Energy Discovery Centre staff are also planning a bigger and more extensive celebration the week of August 18-19.