Norman Wells closure

Operations transition

Imperial’s Norman Wells Operations is an oil and natural gas production and processing facility located in the Sahtú region of the Northwest Territories. Operating for over a century, Norman Wells Operations is Imperial’s longest-standing operation in Canada. The operation has come to the end of its lifespan, with final production planned for the third quarter of 2026.

In January 2026, Imperial announced its intent to cease production, the first of many milestones in its closure journey. The announcement represents an opportunity for continued information sharing, relationship building and collaboration with communities to maximize Indigenous and Northern benefits throughout the tenure of this process. Time required for closure planning, remediation and reclamation is anticipated to take 20 years.

Why is production ending?

Norman Wells production has continued to decline as the field matured, and the decline was accelerated in recent years with the shutdown of Line 490. Imperial’s assessment of future production, and other factors, concluded that on-going operations were not economically viable.

Why now?

The operation relies heavily on its gas production to power facilities reliably and economically. In the absence of line 490 replacement and with declining gas production, operations beyond the third quarter of 2026 is not feasible. Ceasing production in Q3 2026 will allow Imperial to safely shut in the facility prior to winter.

“We will take the time to do this right.”

Cheryl Gomez-Smith

Imperial Senior Vice President, Upstream

Engaging with Northern communities

We understand that collaboration with communities and local governments is imperative throughout this process and engagement means two-way information sharing. Community involvement is also critical to informing a final closure and reclamation plan. This includes supporting Indigenous Knowledge sharing through community-led studies.

Communities and Indigenous governments in the Sahtú, Gwich’in, Inuvialuit, Dehcho, Yellowknife Dene and Métis regions will all play an important role in providing feedback and collaborating on mitigation measures to ensure broader closure planning acknowledges and addresses community concerns.

Imperial remains committed to community involvement during this process.

To learn more about active engagement in the Sahtu communities, navigate using the interactive map.

Norman Wells

Norman Wells has been central to Imperial’s story for more than 100 years, representing one of Canada’s earliest and most enduring oil developments. Imperial and the community of Norman Wells are working closely together to ensure the transition to closure is done responsibly. Learn more about fuel and electrical power supply in Norman Wells.

Imperial is committed to ongoing community connection. Here are the materials from our recent sessions:

We look forward to returning to your community:

Upcoming meeting dates will be posted here.

Colville Lake

Colville Lake’s proximity within the Sahtu region connects it to Imperial's long-standing presence around Norman Wells. While more remote, that closeness still carries shared responsibility — shaping an evolving relationship grounded in respect for community, land, and future pathways.

Imperial is committed to ongoing community connection. Here are materials from our recent sessions:

Presentations coming

Upcoming meeting dates will be posted here.

Deline

Deline’s proximity to the Town of Norman Wells places it near the heart of shared cultural and ways of living connections. Today, that connection is evolving to stewardship, economic opportunities, and a shared responsibility for what comes next in the Sahtu region.

As the birthplace of ice hockey, Imperial and its Esso brand also share a common passion with Deline for this game that brings communities together across the North!

Imperial is committed to ongoing community connection. Here are materials from our recent sessions:

Presentations coming

Upcoming meeting dates will be posted here.

Tulita

Located at the confluence of the Great Bear River and the Mackenzie River and surrounded by the Mackenzie Mountains, Tulita is known for his natural beauty and rich history.

Tulita is closely connected with Imperial through its proximity to Norman Wells, where decades of activity continue to shape future opportunities and responsibility.

Imperial is committed to ongoing community connection. Here are materials from our recent sessions:

We look forward to returning to your community:

Upcoming meeting dates will be posted here.

Fort Good Hope

Fort Good Hope’s location along the Mackenzie River ties it closely to Imperial’s long-standing presence in the Sahtu region, where water and aquatic ecosystems are central to community life. That connection brings a shared responsibility to protect the river — grounding the relationship in stewardship, conservation, and respect for what the water sustains.

Imperial is committed to ongoing community connection. Here are materials from our recent sessions:

Presentations coming
Learn about the Aquatic Effects Monitoring Program (AEMP) in your community

We look forward to returning to your community:

Upcoming meeting dates will be posted here.

Indigenous and Northern benefits

Imperial is committed to maximizing Indigenous and Northern economic benefits throughout the life of this project.

Regulatory pathway

As the project closure steps advance, Imperial will continue to comply with applicable conditions and requirements of its existing operating permits and closure regulatory requirements during upcoming operations, end of production, and getting the site to safe.

Project pathway

Imperial will be safely winding down the long-running Norman Wells operation, which has reached the end of its productive life after nearly a century. Time required for closure planning, remediation and reclamation is anticipated to take 20 years.