Still Standing Season 1 Episode 6 Oil Springs

In this episode of Still Standing, titled "Oil Springs," host Jonny Harris travels to the small town of Oil Springs, Ontario, Canada.

Oil Springs was once known as the "Oil Capital of Canada" due to its substantial oil resources. Throughout the episode, Harris explores the history of oil drilling in the town and the impact it has had on the community.

Harris first meets up with a local historian who takes him to the site of the first oil well in Canada, which was drilled in Oil Springs in 1858. They discuss how the discovery of oil changed the town from a small agricultural community to a booming industrial center. Harris speaks to a retired oil worker who worked for the company that first discovered oil in the area, and he shares stories of his experiences working in the industry.

Next, Harris visits a local farmer whose land is situated on top of an oil reservoir. The farmer explains how his family has been working the same land for generations and how oil drilling has affected their lives. He also discusses the environmental concerns that come with living on top of an oil reservoir.

Harris then speaks to a local artist who creates paintings inspired by the oil industry in Oil Springs. She showcases her work and explains how she is able to find beauty in the industrial landscape that surrounds her.

The episode also delves into the town's efforts to revive its economy in the wake of the oil industry's decline. Harris meets with a group of entrepreneurs who have started a brewery in the town, using locally sourced ingredients. They discuss how they hope to attract visitors to the area and create a new industry in Oil Springs.

Overall, "Oil Springs" offers a fascinating look at the intersection of industry, community, and the environment. Harris presents a nuanced and empathetic perspective on a town that has experienced both the benefits and pitfalls of oil drilling, and he highlights the resilience and creativity of the people who call it home.