According to BOE Report, citing data from StackDX Intel and the Canada Energy Regulator, the Montney formation now accounts for 55% of Canada’s total natural gas production and has been responsible for virtually all of the country’s output growth in recent years.
Market Context
Canada’s national natural gas production crossed 20 billion cubic feet per day (BCF/d) late in 2025, and the Montney has been the engine behind that milestone. Over the past five years, Montney volumes grew from roughly 7 BCF/d to 11 BCF/d, while production from all other Canadian basins held flat at around 9 BCF/d. That means non-Montney Canada effectively contributed zero net growth during that period.
The concentration of activity is accelerating consolidation. A handful of large operators now control the majority of Montney production, and M&A activity across the play reflects confidence in its long-term upside, particularly as Canadian LNG export capacity inches closer to reality. Projects like LNG Canada in Kitimat, BC, are expected to create a sustained pull on upstream gas volumes, keeping development drilling active for years.
What It Means for Subcontractors
- Sustained drilling demand in BC and Alberta. The Montney spans northeast BC and northwest Alberta. Field service companies positioned in Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, Grande Prairie, and surrounding areas are best placed to capture this work.
- Consolidation changes who you’re selling to. With fewer, larger operators controlling more production, subcontractors need relationships with the majors and large independents, including companies like ConocoPhillips, Ovintiv, and ARC Resources, rather than a broad roster of small operators.
- LNG-linked work has a long runway. Upstream tie-ins, compression, pipeline hookups, and processing expansions tied to LNG export demand are not a short cycle. Plan capacity and equipment investments accordingly.
- Non-Montney basins are stagnant. If your work is concentrated in other Canadian plays, the data suggests limited organic growth. Diversifying into Montney-adjacent services may be worth evaluating.
