Ovintiv is redefining the oil and gas industry in Grande Prairie through a pioneering approach that harnesses groundbreaking technologies and strategic investments. Recognizing Grande Prairie’s central role, Ovintiv has positioned itself not just as an industry leader, but as an innovator changing the landscape of energy production.
Innovation isn’t just a buzzword at Ovintiv—it’s embedded deeply into their corporate DNA, driving both their competitive edge and Grande Prairie’s standing as a global energy hub. Through cutting-edge technology and strategic investments, Ovintiv is not only reshaping how energy production happens—they’re redefining the future of energy operations in Grande Prairie.
Strategic Location Fuels Innovation
Grande Prairie’s strategic location places Ovintiv at the center of one of North America’s most prolific undeveloped oil and gas reservoirs—the Montney Formation. This area represents a cornerstone of Ovintiv’s operational strategy, with Kim Williams, Vice President of Canadian Operations, emphasizing:
“Grande Prairie for us, if you think about it as a regional hub for the Montney, is really central to our developments in both Alberta and British Columbia.”
The region provides Ovintiv unparalleled access to a robust and evolving oilfield service sector, supporting ambitious projects and operational expansion. The recent acquisition of Paramount Montney Resources nearly doubled Ovintiv’s existing oil and condensate production capacity, creating a wave of opportunities for future growth. Williams notes,
“That new acreage to us is amongst the Montney’s top-tier undeveloped lands left in the basin, and it really provides us future potential for growth.”
Cutting-Edge Operational Control Centre (OCC)
Perhaps Ovintiv’s most impactful innovation is their Grande Prairie-based Operational Control Centre (OCC). This state-of-the-art, 24-hour facility monitors every facet of operations, utilizing advanced machine learning and AI to optimize performance, manage risk, and enhance safety in real-time.
According to Williams,
“The OCC is probably the thing I’m most proud of in our Canadian operations. It provides real-time tracking and response to incidents, helping protect the public and optimize our production.”
The integration of artificial intelligence allows the OCC to quickly identify anomalies—such as early leaks or equipment malfunctions—and dispatch teams proactively rather than reactively.
This approach translates into a significant reduction in manual field checks, enhancing both safety and efficiency. “Twenty years ago, operators manually checked wells daily. Now, our technicians have automated lists generated each morning, prioritized by safety and operational impact,” Williams explains.
Game-Changing Technologies in Energy Production
Ovintiv’s innovative approach to operations sets new industry standards. A hallmark of their forward-thinking is the 100% natural gas-powered hydraulic fracturing fleet introduced to the Montney in 2022. This revolutionary technology significantly reduces diesel use, cutting emissions, noise, and operational footprint. Williams highlights its multiple benefits:
“It’s disruptive technology. It reduces completion emissions, the surface footprint, and the number of people needed on-site—putting fewer workers in harm’s way.”
Horizontal drilling represents another area where Ovintiv has drastically changed the game. This technique significantly reduces surface disturbance by allowing multiple wells from a single pad—something previously impossible with traditional vertical wells. This method dramatically enhances operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Empowering People, Driving Change
Ovintiv’s commitment to innovation is equally matched by its empowerment of local talent. Employees are encouraged to rapidly test new ideas in what Ovintiv calls their ‘fail-fast’ approach. Williams explains, “If you have an idea, try it out quickly. If it works, fantastic. If it doesn’t, learn fast and move on.” This empowerment not only fosters a creative, dynamic workplace but has resulted in remarkable innovations, such as integrating NASA satellite data to identify wildfire, or hotspot, risks proactively around Grande Prairie.
Additionally, Ovintiv’s Grande Prairie employees are now actively collaborating internationally, sharing insights and innovations with operations across the United States. Williams emphasizes this as critical to Ovintiv’s competitive edge, saying, “Cross-border learning is a huge part of our DNA. What we learn here can be shared with operations in Texas and vice versa.”
Community Integration Fuels Long-Term Growth
Ovintiv’s commitment extends beyond operational excellence into deep community involvement. Over recent years, Ovintiv has supported more than 90 local organizations, emphasizing health, safety, education, and Indigenous partnerships. Key collaborations include longstanding relationships with Northwestern Polytechnic, Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation, STARS Air Ambulance, and regional Indigenous communities.
Williams expresses a heartfelt commitment to the region, stating,
“Grande Prairie offers opportunities for people to work, live, and stay near home, and Ovintiv is dedicated to sustaining this vibrant community environment.”
Looking Forward: Grande Prairie at the Global Forefront
Looking ahead, Ovintiv’s presence in Grande Prairie continues to evolve, bolstered by strategic acquisitions, technological advancements, and a commitment to empowering local talent. The region's innovative spirit and strategic assets position Grande Prairie as not only a Canadian energy leader but also a critical player in global energy markets.
Ovintiv’s relentless pursuit of innovation and operational excellence ensures Grande Prairie remains on the cutting edge, demonstrating that innovation isn’t merely beneficial—it’s essential.