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Birchcliff Energy Ltd.

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FY2011 Annual Report · Birchcliff Energy Ltd.
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BIR:2011

ANNUAL REPORT

BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD.

2011 ANNUAL REPORT

CONTENTS

  1  -  Financial and operational highlights
  3  -  Message to shareholders
  6  -  Financial performance
  8  -  Operations review
  22  -  Reserves and resources
  31  -  Health, safety & environment
  32  -  Community support
  33  -  Board of Directors
  34  -  Executive team
  36  -  Glossary of terms
  38  -  Advisories
  41  -  Management’s discussion and analysis
  66  -  Management’s report
  67  -  Independent auditor’s report
  68  -  Financial statements
  72  -  Notes to financial statements
 102 -  Corporate information

Financial and operational highlights:

OPERATING
Average daily production
  Light oil – (barrels) 
  Natural gas – (thousands of cubic feet) 
  NGLs – (barrels) 
  Total – barrels of oil equivalent (6:1) 

Average sales price ($ Canadian)
  Light oil (per barrel) 
  Natural gas (per thousand cubic feet) 
  NGLs (per barrel) 
  Total – barrels of oil equivalent (6:1) 

Undeveloped land
  Gross (acres) 
  Net (acres) 

NETBACK AND COST
($ per barrel of oil equivalent at 6:1)
  Petroleum and natural gas revenue 
  Royalty expense 
  Operating expense(1) 
  Transportation and marketing expense 

Netback(1) 
  General & administrative expense, net(1) 

Interest expense  

Cash flow netback(1) 
  Stock-based compensation expense, net(1) 
  Depletion and depreciation expense(1) 
  Accretion expense(1) 
  Amortization of deferred financing fees 
  Gain on sale of assets(1) 
  Deferred income tax expense(1) 

Net income(1) 

FINANCIAL
Petroleum and natural gas revenue ($000) 

Cash flow ($000)(1)(2) 
  Per share – basic ($)(1)(2) 
  Per share – diluted ($)(1)(2) 

Net income ($000)(1) 
  Per share – basic ($)(1) 
  Per share – diluted ($)(1) 

Common shares outstanding
  End of period – basic 
  End of period – diluted 
  Weighted average shares for period – basic 
  Weighted average shares for period – diluted(1) 

Capital expenditures, net ($000)(1) 
Working capital deficiency ($000) 
Non-revolving term credit facilities ($000) 
Revolving credit facilities ($000) 
Total debt ($000) 

Three  
months ended 
Dec. 31, 2011 

Three 
months ended 
Dec. 31, 2010 

Twelve 
months ended 
Dec. 31, 2011 

Twelve 
months ended 
Dec. 31, 2010

4,229 
90,116 
564 
19,812 

95.52 
3.40 
94.67 
38.54 

3,486 
73,978 
559 
16,375 

81.89 
3.94 
76.14 
37.83 

3,905 
82,116 
545 
18,136 

92.00 
3.85 
89.33 
39.94 

3,135
56,970
448
13,079

78.76
4.21
72.82
39.72

531,903 
493,968 

500,069 
456,952 

531,903 
493,968 

500,069
456,952

38.55 
(4.16) 
(6.90) 
(2.66) 

24.83 
(5.88) 
(2.27) 

16.68 
(1.48) 
(11.97) 
(0.23) 
(0.11) 
– 
(1.06) 

1.83 

70,261 

30,400 
0.24 
0.23 

3,333 
0.03 
0.03 

37.88 
(2.91) 
(6.84) 
(2.56) 

25.57 
(4.47) 
(2.60) 

18.50 
(0.85) 
(10.73) 
(0.25) 
(0.17) 
– 
(1.57) 

4.93 

57,072 

27,865 
0.22 
0.22 

7,431 
0.06 
0.06 

39.97 
(4.44) 
(6.75) 
(2.64) 

26.14 
(3.74) 
(2.64) 

19.76 
(1.42) 
(10.84) 
(0.27) 
(0.13) 
0.32 
(2.22) 

5.20 

264,587 

130,826 
1.04 
1.00 

34,454 
0.27 
0.26 

39.80
(3.55)
(7.59)
(2.59)

26.07
(3.30)
(2.82)

19.95
(1.62)
(10.79)
(0.30)
(0.34)
3.25
(2.99)

7.16

189,978

95,241
0.76
0.74

34,163
0.27
0.27

126,745,577 
140,152,250 
126,731,919 
132,216,022 

125,129,234 
137,316,486 
124,994,761 
128,418,091 

126,745,577 
140,152,250 
126,282,910 
131,444,878 

125,129,234
137,316,486
124,629,761
128,520,068

81,023 
48,598 
68,925 
319,500 
437,023 

45,730 
3,956 
– 
333,468 
337,424 

237,480 
48,598 
68,925 
319,500 
437,023 

214,924
3,956
–
333,468
337,424

1)  Prior period amounts restated to comply with the requirements of International Financial Reporting Standards.

2)  Cash flow and cash flow per share amounts represent cash provided by operating activities as per the Statement of Cash Flows before the effects of changes in 

non-cash working capital and decommissioning expenditures related to operating activities.

FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011 snapshot:

Proved plus  
probable (2P)  
reserves

275

4th quarter production

Cash flow

19,812 $131

MMboe

boe/day

million

Reserve life index
(years)

One core area

Earnings

Peace  
River  
Arch

36

on 2P basis assuming  
21,100 boe/day production rate

$34.5

million

Wells drilled

PCS Gas Plant  
operating netback

Land acquired at 100% WI

53

$3.24

110,464

per Mcfe

 undeveloped acres

2  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  2011 SNAPSHOT

 
Birchcliff is in a position of strength with financial flexibility and 
a very focused, high working interest, operated, low-cost asset 
base with significant growth potential. 

Fellow Shareholders,

On behalf of the directors, executive, management and staff of Birchcliff, I am very pleased to 
provide you with our 2011 results and our outlook for 2012 and beyond. 

The Executive Team is committed, excited and enthusiastic about the future.

CORPORATE SALE PROCESS

>  A. Jeffery Tonken 

President and Chief Executive Officer

At the beginning of our public sale process that was announced on October 3, 2011, we publi-
cally stated that in the event we did not receive sufficient value for the Corporation, we would 
say NO. On March 29, 2012, Birchcliff terminated the process because we did not receive an 
acceptable offer reflecting the value of the Corporation. We chose to make the process public in 
order to disseminate our decision to sell the company to the widest possible audience. Equally 
as important, we wanted to be honest and direct with all of our stakeholders, to insure that 
they were aware of our process and the possible ramifications. Birchcliff is now, and was at 
that time, in a very strong position. Our asset base has allowed us to perform on all metrics. 
We did not foresee the price of natural gas collapsing. Our goal at the time we started the 
process was to attract a buyer who would “pay forward” some of the future value. Although we 
received two non-binding offers, we were not prepared to accept bids which we believed did 
not represent sufficient value to our shareholders.

As a result, Birchcliff will continue to focus on its substantial resource base, grow through the 
drill bit and execute on its 2012 capital program and long-term development plan. Birchcliff 
remains  in  a  position  of  strength  with  financial  flexibility  and  a  very  focused,  high  working 
interest, operated, low-cost asset base with significant growth potential. 

POUCE COUPE SOUTH NATURAL GAS PLANT

Our Pouce Coupe South natural gas plant (the “PCS Gas Plant”) is the culmination of several 
years of work, with respect to both the development of production and reserves on our Montney/
Doig Natural Gas Resource Play and the execution of our business strategy to develop a core 
producing  property  with  significant  undeveloped  land  surrounding  the  production  where  we 
own and control the infrastructure. 

Phase I of the PCS Gas Plant commenced processing in March of 2010 and Phase II in 
November 2010, providing a total of 60 MMcf per day processing capacity. We have been 
working on the construction of Phase III of the PCS Gas Plant, which will double the processing 
capacity to 120 MMcf per day and I am pleased to report that we are now just months away 
from the commencement of processing gas at Phase III. We are applying to re-license the PCS 
Gas Plant to increase the licensed processing capacity to 150 MMcf per day. This re-licensing 
will recognize the expected processing capacity of the PCS Gas Plant once the Phase III expan-
sion is completed. We are planning future expansions to the PCS Gas Plant, when natural gas 
prices warrant it. 

MESSAGE TO SHAREHOLDERS  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  3

 
EXCELLENT 2011 RESULTS

I note that in 2011 Birchcliff is one of the few oil and gas companies of its size that has 
EARNINGS. Our low depletion costs (which follow from low finding and development costs) 
and low operating costs resulted in $34.5 million of earnings in 2011. This was accomplished 
when gas averaged $3.63 per mcf at AECO during 2011. The PCS Gas Plant plays a major 
part in this because our per boe operating costs are very low. 

In  2011,  we  increased  our  average  annual  production  to  18,136  per  day,  a  39%  increase 
over 2010. We increased our proved plus probable reserves to 275.4 MMboe, a 37% increase 
from 2010, added those reserves for approximately $2.92 per boe without future capital, and 
$12.31 per boe including future capital. We expanded Birchcliff’s footprint on our developed 
resource plays and new resource plays, while maintaining a 93% average working interest. 
Despite the current low natural gas environment, we have a very large portfolio of Montney/
Doig horizontal natural gas drilling opportunities that are economic to pursue. At December 31, 
2011, we had in excess of 1,850 Montney/Doig horizontal natural gas well drilling locations. 
In addition, the Worsley Light Oil Play continues to grow. We are doing the technical work and 
planning required to develop a tight/shale oil based resource play in our core area, the Peace 
River Arch and in that regard we purchased 110,464 acres that we think are prospective on 
these tight/shale oil resource plays.

2012 CAPITAL BUDGET

We  set  our  2012  capital  budget  at  $292  million.  Approximately  $210  million  is  directed 
toward the Phase III expansion of the PCS Gas Plant, with $149 million to be spent for the 
drilling, completion and tie-in of Montney/Doig horizontal natural gas wells that will produce 
to the expanded PCS Gas Plant and $61 million to be spent on the Phase III expansion of the 
PCS Gas Plant, which includes an acid gas disposal well, minor upgrades and an associated 
gathering trunk line.

Based on the capital budgeted for 2012, Birchcliff’s 2012 exit production rate is expected to 
be approximately 26,000 boe per day. 

In light of currently low natural gas prices, Birchcliff has adopted a budget under which the 
number of Montney/Doig horizontal natural gas wells to be drilled in 2012 will only fill a 
portion of the processing capacity of the expanded PCS Gas Plant. This will leave Birchcliff 
with excess processing capacity that can be filled when natural gas prices improve. 

2012 OUTLOOK

Our 2012 goal is to convert long life reserves into production. We see continued significant 
production and reserves growth from our existing asset base in 2012 and beyond.

Birchcliff  has  established  two  significant  resource  plays.  The  2011  reserves  additions 
demonstrate that Birchcliff has the ability to add reserves and production on a low cost and 
repeatable basis. Birchcliff has a 36 year reserve life index on a proved plus probable basis, 
calculated using a production rate of 21,100 boe per day. 

Construction of Phase III of the PCS Gas Plant will allow us to continue to grow production, 
cash flow and reserves. This will also allow Birchcliff to move a significant amount of reserves 
into the proved developed producing category, which is key in maximizing shareholder value.
The PCS Gas Plant, in addition to a number of other initiatives, has resulted in a significant 
reduction in net operating costs on a per boe basis, making Birchcliff a low cost producer, in 
addition to a low cost finder. 

4  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  MESSAGE TO SHAREHOLDERS

 
Approximately 55% of our corporate natural gas production is processed at the PCS Gas Plant, 
which has extremely low operating costs per boe. As a result, the operating netback for our 
Montney/Doig natural gas wells producing to the PCS Gas Plant was approximately $3.24 per 
Mcfe during 2011. We can live within our cash flow and credit lines and continue to have 
phenomenal growth in the next several years without significant upward moves in natural gas 
prices. We believe that Birchcliff will flourish as a low cost producer and we will continue to 
grow. We believe that eventually the laws of supply and demand will force the price of natural 
gas to go up as investment and natural gas production declines.

As a result of the significant increase in production and in turn, our proved developed producing 
reserves in 2011, we expect our credit facilities will be increased following our annual review 
by our banking syndicate in May 2012. Further, we believe that after our recently announced 
equity financing is completed, we will not have to access the equity markets in the foreseeable 
future.

Thank-you to our staff, our management and executive teams, our directors and our major 
shareholder

Thank you to our office staff, who develop and plan each of the individual initiatives that bring 
us success and to our field staff, who safely and efficiently perform the field operations that 
turn good ideas into good results. Without their hard work and tireless dedication, we could 
not have achieved such success.

Thank you to our management and executive teams, who work very long hours for the benefit 
of our employees and shareholders. The work required during the sale process together with 
the successful day to day running of our business was a true testament to their dedication 
and passion toward Birchcliff. 

Thank you to our directors, who provide continued dedication, input and guidance. 

Thank  you  to  our  significant  shareholder,  Mr.  Seymour  Schulich,  who  provides  tremendous 
support and advice, which has played an integral role in our success. Mr. Schulich provided 
phenomenal support especially when the commodity price started to deteriorate. If ever anyone 
has met an individual who represents the saying “When the going gets tough, the tough get 
going,”  it  is  Mr.  Schulich.  When  many  investors  abandoned  natural  gas,  he  invested  more 
money to increase his share position and show his support for Birchcliff. 

We are excited about moving forward and relish the opportunity to compete in a very tough 
market. Like Mr. Schulich: “when the going gets tough, the tough get going.”

On behalf of the Executive Team.

Respectfully,

(signed) “A. Jeffery Tonken”

A. Jeffery Tonken
President and Chief Executive Officer

April 4, 2012

MESSAGE TO SHAREHOLDERS  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  5

 
Financial performance:

Cash flow
(millions of dollars)

CASH FLOW AND EARNINGS

  $150

  120

90

60

30

0

2007 

2011

Our  2011  cash  flow  was  approximately  $130.8  million  or  $1.04  per  basic  share,  a  37% 
increase from 2010.

Birchcliff recorded net income of $34.5 million ($0.27 per basic share) in 2011 as compared 
to $34.2 million ($0.27 per basic share) in 2010.  Excluding the gain on sale of assets and its 
tax effect, Birchcliff recorded net income of $32.9 million in 2011 as compared to $22.5 million 
in 2010.  These 2011 earnings are significant as Birchcliff’s average sales price of natural gas 
dropped 9% from December 31, 2010 to December 31, 2011, resulting in reduced margins, 
yet we remained profitable on a full cycle basis, indicating that our resource plays and business 
model continue to be economic.

Operating cost per boe
(dollars)

  $12

10

8

6

4

2

0

DEBT AND CAPITALIZATION

At  December  31,  2011,  Birchcliff  had  drawn  $388.4  million  from  its  available  bank  debt 
credit facilities aggregating $520 million.  As such, we have significant credit capacity and 
financial flexibility.  At December 31, 2011, Birchcliff’s working capital deficiency was $48.6 
million and total debt was $437.0 million. 

We expect that as a result of our significant 2011 reserve additions, our bank credit facilities 
will be increased during our normal credit review in May 2012. 

2007 

2011

At December 31, 2011, Birchcliff had 126,745,577 basic common shares outstanding and 
140,152,250 diluted common shares.

OPERATING COSTS

Operating costs per boe (excluding transportation and marketing costs) were $6.75 per boe, 
down 11% from $7.59 per boe in 2010 and down 24% from $8.89 per boe in 2009.  The 
decrease is largely due to the operating benefits achieved from processing natural gas through 
Phases I and II of our PCS Gas Plant, which commenced operations in March 2010 and 
November 2010 respectively.  Net of recoveries, operating costs in 2011 for production at our 
PCS Gas Plant was $0.21 per Mcfe.

RECYCLE RATIOS

The following table shows Birchcliff’s operating and cash flow netback recycle ratios, which 
are calculated in each case by dividing the average operating netback per boe or cash flow 
netback per boe, as the case may be, by each of the finding and development costs (“F&D”) 
and the finding, development and acquisition costs (“FD&A”). 

During 2011, the average WTI price of crude oil was US $95.10 per barrel and the average 
price of natural gas at AECO was Cdn $3.63 per MMbtu.  Operating netback per boe for 2011 
was $26.14.  Cash flow netback per boe for 2011 was $19.76.

6  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating and cash flow netback recycle ratios at December 31, 2011:

Recycle ratio excluding future development capital
  F&D proved plus probable 
  FD&A proved plus probable 
Recycle ratio including future development capital
  F&D proved plus probable 
  FD&A proved plus probable 

Operating netback recycle ratio 

Cash flow netback recycle ratio

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010

9.1 
8.9 

2.2 
2.1 

4.7 
5.8 

2.6 
3.1 

6.9 
6.8 

1.6 
1.6 

3.8
4.7

2.1
2.5

(cid:8748)  Low per boe operating 
costs at our PCS Gas 
Plant contribute to our 
excellent recycle ratios.

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operations review:

R12

R11

R10

R9

R8

R7

R6

R5

R4

R3

R2

R1W6

R25

R24

R23

R22

R21

R20

Peejay

Currant

Clear Prairie

Osborn

Charlie

Buick

North
District

Rigel

Boundary
Lake North

Clear Hills

Worsley

Hines

Dixonville

Worsley Light Oil Resource Play

Flatrock

Boundary
Lake

Hill

Cecil

Clayhurst

Gerry Lake

Parkland

Doe

Bear
Canyon

Balsam

Mulligan

Bonanza

Hamelin
Creek

Dunvegan

Whitelaw

Tangent

West
District

Pouce Coupe

Dawson Creek

Sunrise

Dawson

Pouce Coupe
South

Progress

Spirit River

Rycroft

Gordondale

Mirage

Progress
Doe

Belloy

Peoria

Eaglesham

Sturgeon Lake

Saddle Hills

Kakut-Woking

Grande
Prairie

Grande Prairie

Teepee

Bezanson

East
District

Gold Creek

Ante Creek

LEGEND
(cid:2)(cid:3) Birchcliff land  

(only non-confidential  
land shown)

  Birchcliff Pouce Coupe  

South Gas Plant

  Birchcliff facility

WELL LEGEND
Bottom Hole Locations:

  Location
  Service or drain
  Gas
  Abandoned oil
  Abandoned gas
  Suspended
  Oil
  Dry & abandoned
  Suspended gas
  Injection

Glacier

Valhalla

Montney//Doig 
Natural Gas Resource Play

Sinclair

Knopcik

Elmworth

Wapiti

BC  AB

8  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  OPERATIONS REVIEW

T91

T90

T89

T88

T87

T86

T85

T84

T83

T82

T81

T80

T79

T78

T77

T76

T75

T74

T73

T72

T71

T70

T69

T68

T67

T66

T65

T64

T63

 
 
<  We focus on developing 
sound exploration 
and development 
opportunities that 
can support extensive 
drilling and production 
growth in a repeatable, 
low risk manner.

Birchcliff’s operations are concentrated within one core area, the Peace River Arch, which is 
centred northwest of Grande Prairie, adjacent to the Alberta/British Columbia border, and is 
considered by management to be one of the most desirable natural gas and light oil drilling 
areas in North America.

The Peace River Arch is one of the most prolific natural gas and oil producing areas of the 
Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin and is generally characterized by multiple horizons with 
a myriad of structural, stratigraphic and hydrodynamic traps. There is an abundance of prolific 
resource plays, related in part to the proximity of the area to the deep basin, where generation 
and trapping of hydrocarbons preferentially occurs. The Peace River Arch provides all-season 
access  that  allows  Birchcliff  to  drill,  equip  and  tie-in  wells  on  an  almost  continuous  basis, 
excluding the spring break-up period.

Our strategy in the Peace River Arch is focused on developing sound exploration and develop-
ment opportunities that can support extensive drilling and production growth in a repeatable, 
low  risk  manner.  Birchcliff  works  to  de-risk  plays  by  drilling  both  vertical  and  horizontal 
exploration wells to develop an in-depth understanding of oil and gas pools, rock properties 
and  petrophysical  characteristics.  We  design,  test  and  evaluate  drilling,  completion  and 
production technologies and practices to achieve continual improvements in productivity and 
to drive down capital and operating costs. Birchcliff’s pool delineation strategy de-risks future 
development and reduces future costs as new well pads and infrastructure are designed and 
built to support multiple horizontal well locations and increased production. We have a focused 
strategy  to  acquire  additional  contiguous  land  blocks  at  Crown  sales  or  through  selective 
private  acquisitions. Our dominant land and infrastructure position in the Peace River Arch 
has helped us develop an in-depth knowledge of the land, the geology, the reservoirs, the 
infrastructure and the stakeholders.

Birchcliff’s 2011 average production was 18,136 boe per day, with a fourth quarter production 
average of 19,812 boe per day. Wells in the Peace River Arch have the potential to initially 
produce 500 to 10,000 Mcf per day (83 to 1,666 boe per day) of natural gas or 30 to 500 bbl 
per day of light oil. 

OPERATIONS REVIEW  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  9

 
Birchcliff’s land base primarily consists of large contiguous blocks 
of  high  working  interest  acreage  located  near  facilities  owned 
and/or operated by Birchcliff or near third party infrastructure.

ALBERTA

Peace River
Arch Area

Grande Prairie

Edmonton

Calgary

We have excellent control of and access to infrastructure in the Peace River Arch to process 
our light oil and natural gas production. In 2010, Birchcliff commenced processing natural gas 
through our 100% owned PCS Gas Plant, which currently has a processing capacity of 60 MMcf 
per day. We hold working interests in 12 gas plants, four of which are wholly owned and five 
of which we operate. We hold working interests in five major oil batteries, one of which we 
operate. We have working interests in 21 wholly owned and operated compressor sites.

During 2011, Birchcliff acquired 110,464 (110,464 net) acres of undeveloped land, all in its 
core area of the Peace River Arch of Alberta. Birchcliff’s undeveloped land base at December 31, 
2011 consisted of 531,903 (493,968 net) undeveloped acres, which is a 93% average 
working interest. This is an 8.1% increase over the 2010 year end net undeveloped land base 
of  500,069  (456,952  net)  undeveloped  acres.  Further,  this  is  a  658%  increase  over  the 
75,000  net  undeveloped  acres  Birchcliff  acquired  in  the  significant  Peace  River  Arch  area 
acquisition completed on May 31, 2005.

Birchcliff’s  land  base  primarily  consists  of  large  contiguous  blocks  of  high  working  interest 
acreage located near facilities owned and/or operated by Birchcliff or near third party infra-
structure. A significant amount of the land purchased is a direct result of the exploration and 
development success by Birchcliff in the Peace River Arch area. The vast majority of the new 
land has been purchased without partners at 100% working interest.

Birchcliff spent $236.5 million on exploration and development projects (including acquisitions 
and dispositions) in the Peace River Arch in 2011, including the drilling of 53 (44.78 net) 
wells, all of which were successful. Drilling depths on a true vertical depth basis can range 
from  300  metres  for  the  shallower  horizons  to  2,700  metres  for  the  deeper,  higher  impact 
targets. The capital cost for the horizontal wells has continued to decrease as we realize 
efficiencies by multi-well pads, multi-leg wells, increased proximity to existing infrastructure 
and more cost competitive pricing for services.

>  All of Birchcliff’s 
operations are 
concentrated in one 
core area, the Peace 
River Arch area of 
Alberta.

Annual average production growth
(thousands of boe per day)

20

16

12

8

4

0

2007 

2011

10  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  OPERATIONS REVIEW

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
0 m

500 m

1000 m

1500 m

2000 m

2500 m

3000 m

Stratigraphic Column 
and Production Zones

LEGEND

(cid:3) Oil zones
  Natural gas zones

Surface

Doe Creek

Dunvegan

Paddy/Cadotte

Notikewin

Falher

Bluesky

Gething

Cadomin

Nikanassin
Nordegg

Baldonnel
Charlie Lake
Boundary Lake
Subcrop

Halfway

Doig

Montney

Kiskatinaw

Exshaw 
Wabamun

Duvernay

Leduc

Beaverhill Lake/
Granite Wash

PreCambrian
Graben Complex

<  Birchcliff’s natural gas 
production is primarily 
from the Basal Doig/
Upper Montney and 
Middle/Lower Montney 
zones. Light oil 
production is primarily 
from the Charlie  
Lake zone.

OPERATIONS REVIEW  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  11

 
 
Operations review:

West District:

BIRCHCLIFF’S DISTRICTS WITHIN THE PEACE RIVER ARCH

Exploration and  
development expenditures
(percent of corporate total)

  63%

Production volumes
(percent of corporate total)

  65%

2011

2011

Proved plus probable reserves
(percent of corporate total)

  83%

2011

Net undeveloped land holdings
(percent of corporate total)

  23%

2011

Birchcliff operates within three distinct districts in the Peace River Arch, each with its own 
technical team: West District, North District and East District. Each of the districts is comprised 
of a number of regions. 

West District

The  West  District  is  centred  approximately  95  kilometres  northwest  of  Grande  Prairie  and 
contains  four  primary  regions:  Pouce  Coupe,  Pouce  Coupe  South,  Glacier  and  Sinclair.  The 
principal  asset  in  the  West  District  is  the  Montney/Doig  Natural  Gas  Resource  Play,  which, 
in the opinion of management, is one of the most sought after natural gas resource plays in 
North America.

Approximately  83%  of  our  total  proved  plus  probable  reserves  are  located  in  the  West 
District and provide low-risk development drilling and exploration opportunities. 

The West District represented approximately 83% of Birchcliff’s natural gas production and 
1% of our oil production in 2011. Natural gas production is primarily from the Basal Doig/
Upper Montney and Middle/Lower Montney zones. In 2011, West District production averaged 
11,762 boe per day and the operating netback for this production was $18.51 per boe. 
Average operating costs in the West District were $5.01 per boe, a 18% decrease on a per 
boe basis from 2010.

Production from the West District flows through two operated gas plants and six non-operated 
gas plants. We own and operate two gas plants in the West District; most notably the 100% 
owned PCS Gas Plant, which has a designed inlet capacity of 60 MMcf per day and is currently 
being  expanded  to  120  MMcf  per  day.  In  addition  to  the  PCS  Gas  Plant,  there  is  a  100% 
owned Bonanza Gas Plant, processing sweet gas in Pouce Coupe North. We also process gas 
at the Progress gas plant operated by Canadian Natural Resources Northern Alberta Partnership, 
in  which  we  have  a  small  working  interest.  Other  gas  is  delivered  to  the  Spectra  gathering 
system, which is processed under firm service contracts at either the Fourth Creek gas plant, 
the Gordondale East gas plant or the Pouce Coupe gas plant. Birchcliff also has a firm service 
contract with AltaGas for gas delivered to and processed at the AltaGas Pouce Coupe gas plant. 

In 2011, Birchcliff invested $4.3 million to expand and maintain our land position in the West 
District. At December 31, 2011, we had interests in approximately 179,800 (154,509 net) 
acres of land of which 122,483 (113,741 net) acres were undeveloped. The average working 
interest in undeveloped land in the West District is approximately 93%.

In 2011, we spent $147.9 million on West District land, exploration, development and minor 
acquisitions, net of dispositions, including the drilling and completion of 25 (21.25 net) wells. 
The West District offers multiple, stacked targets down to total vertical depths of 2,700 metres.

12  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  OPERATIONS REVIEW

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011

2011

North District

The  North  District  is  centred  approximately  250  kilometres  north  of  Grande  Prairie.  Within 
the North District, Worsley is the primary region and the most significant asset is the Worsley 
Light Oil Resource Play.

Approximately 12% of our total proved plus probable reserves are located in the North District. 
Birchcliff’s plans for this district are focused on the Worsley Light Oil Resource Play, including 
extension of the oil pool to the north and the south, recompletion and infill development 
opportunities, expansion of the water flood and expansion of the application of horizontal drilling 
and multi-stage fracture stimulation technology as it relates to Birchcliff’s oil properties.

North District:

Exploration and  
development expenditures
(percent of corporate total)

  30%

The North District represented approximately 10% of our natural gas production and 77% of 
our oil production in 2011, with production primarily from the oil rich Charlie Lake zone. In 
2011, North District production averaged 4,514 boe per day and operating netback for this 
production was $48.43 per boe.

Production volumes
(percent of corporate total)

  25%

The majority of the production from the North District flows through a Birchcliff 100% owned 
and operated gas plant and oil battery. Both of these facilities are located in the core of the 
Worsley region. We also hold a 29.7% working interest in a sour gas plant in the Hill Region 
of the North District, which is currently decommissioned. Clean oil is trucked from the Worsley 
facility to truck terminals located in High Prairie, Alberta and Taylor, British Columbia, to be 
transported on the Pembina Peace pipeline to Edmonton. 

Proved plus probable reserves
(percent of corporate total)

In 2011, Birchcliff invested $4.8 million to expand and maintain our North District land position. 
As of December 31, 2011, we had interests in approximately 187,121 (179,589 net) acres 
of land of which 164,721 (161,755 net) acres are undeveloped. The average working interest 
in undeveloped land in the North District is approximately 98%.

  12%

Birchcliff spent $70.9 million on North District land, exploration, development and minor 
acquisitions in 2011, including the drilling and completion of 18 (18.0 net) wells. We enhanced 
the  water  flood  area  by  converting  two  producing  wells  to  injection  wells  and  generated  a 
surveillance model to evaluate pattern performance and prepare for 2012 activities. Currently, 
about one third of the Birchcliff owned portion of the Worsley light oil pool is under water flood. 
The water flood response has exceeded management’s expectations and we look forward to 
further expansion of the water flood area in 2012.

2011

Net undeveloped land holdings
(percent of corporate total)

  33%

2011

OPERATIONS REVIEW  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  13

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operations review:

East District:

East District

Exploration and  
development expenditures
(percent of corporate total)

7% 

Production volumes
(percent of corporate total)

  10% 

2011

2011

Proved plus probable reserves
(percent of corporate total)

5% 

2011

Net undeveloped land holdings
(percent of corporate total)

  44%

2011

The  East  District  is  centred  approximately  50  kilometres  north  of  Grande  Prairie.  Progress, 
Rycroft and Bezanson are the primary regions contained within the East District. The Progress 
Doe Creek oil pool, Progress Halfway oil pool and the Montney/Doig Natural Gas Resource Play 
are the East District’s primary assets. During 2011, Birchcliff initiated research, evaluation 
and testing of new resource plays in the East District where we have significant land holdings 
prospective for a number of resource plays.

Approximately 5% of our total proved plus probable reserves are located in the East District. 
The East District represented approximately 7% of our natural gas production and 22% of our 
oil production in 2011. Production is from multiple zones, from the late Devonian to the 
Cretaceous. In 2011, production from the East District averaged 1,859 boe per day. 

We process East District production through two operated gas plants (one of which is currently 
decommissioned), six non-operated gas plants and five major oil batteries. Clean oil from the 
Progress region is trucked to a truck terminal located in Gordondale and clean oil from the 
Progress Doe Creek region is pipeline connected to the Pembina Peace pipeline to Edmonton. 

In  2011,  Birchcliff  invested  approximately  $4.0  million  to  expand  and  maintain  the  land 
position  in  the  East  District.  At  December  31,  2011,  we  had  interests  in  approximately 
333,877 (264,157 net) acres of land of which 244,698 (218,471 net) acres were undeveloped. 
The average working interest in undeveloped land in the East District is approximately 89%.

Birchcliff spent $17.9 million on East District land, exploration, development and minor 
acquisitions net of dispositions in 2011, including the drilling and completion of 10 (5.53 net) 
wells. We drilled the first horizontal and multi-stage fractured Halfway oil well (67% working 
interest) in 2010. In 2011, the first follow-up horizontal Halfway oil well (50% working interest) 
was  brought  on  production  in  December  2011  with  an  initial  production  rate  in  excess  of 
1,200 boe per day, comprised of 1,000 barrels per day of oil and 237 boe per day of gas, (600 
boe per day net to Birchcliff). Current production is 973 boe per day, comprised of 744 barrels 
per day of oil and 229 boe per day of gas, (486 boe per day net to Birchcliff). The second 
follow-up horizontal Halfway well (100% working interest) was drilled in the fall 2011 and 
will be brought on production shortly. This well tested 828 boe per day, 4.6 MMcf per day, at 
a tubing flowing pressure of 8,150 kPa with 14 bbls/MMscf liquids. 

We successfully drilled a horizontal and multi-stage fractured Doig well (50% working interest) 
that had an initial production rate of 320 boe per day, comprised of 250 barrels of oil per day 
and 70 boe per day of gas, (160 boe per day net to the Corporation). Production is currently 
restricted due to liquid handling capacity issues at a third party facility with a current production 
rate of 100 boe per day, being 70 barrels per day of oil and 30 boe per day of gas. 

Birchcliff was also active in the Progress area drilling 2 (0.9 net) vertical and 5 (2.7 net) horizontal 
wells, all of which were successful, on its Doe Creek light oil pool.

14  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  OPERATIONS REVIEW

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BIRCHCLIFF’S RESOURCE PLAYS IN THE PEACE RIVER ARCH 

2P Montney/Doig reserves

43.7

percent increase

Birchcliff is focused on two established resource plays within the Peace River Arch: the Montney/
Doig  Natural  Gas  Resource  Play  in  the  West  and  East  Districts,  and  the  Worsley  Light  Oil 
Resource Play in the North District. We have also acquired lands that are prospective for one 
or more new resource plays that will take time to develop. Birchcliff characterizes its resource 
plays as plays that have regionally pervasive, continuous, low permeability hydrocarbon 
accumulations or systems that usually require intensive stimulation to produce. The production 
characteristics of these plays include steep initial declines that rapidly trend to much lower 
decline rates, yielding long life production and reserves. Resource plays exhibit a statistical 
distribution  of  estimated  ultimate  recoveries  and  therefore  provide  a  repeatable  distribution 
of drilling opportunities. As more wells are drilled into a resource play, there is a substantial 
decrease in both the geological and technical risks.

Montney/Doig Natural Gas Resource Play

The Montney/Doig Natural Gas Resource Play is classified by Birchcliff as a hybrid resource 
play because it is comprised of approximately 300 metres (1,000 feet) of gas saturated rock 
with both tight silt and sand reservoir rock interlayered with shale gas source rock.

In 2011, Birchcliff drilled 23 (19.3 net) Montney/Doig horizontal natural gas wells utilizing 
multi-stage fracture stimulation technology. We continue to expand the Montney/Doig Natural 
Gas Resource Play both geographically and stratigraphically, as six (6.0 net) of the 23 (19.3 
net) Montney/Doig horizontal natural gas wells were exploration successes. Of those, one was 
in the Basal Doig/Upper Montney Play and the other five were in the Middle/Lower Montney 
Play. We also drilled one (1.0 net) successful Montney/Doig vertical exploration well. Birchcliff 
also drilled an acid gas disposal well as a back-up disposal well for the PCS Gas Plant in order 
to provide operational flexibility with the commissioning of Phase III of the PCS Gas Plant. 

Wells on the Montney/Doig Natural Gas Resource Play are drilled to approximately 2,300 
to  2,500  metres  for  a  vertical  well  and  4,000  to  5,000  metres  measured  depth  for  a 
horizontal well. Initial well productivity for the vertical wells is 500 to 1,000 Mcf per day 
(83 to 166 boe per day) and 3,000 to 10,000 Mcf per day (500 to 1,666 boe per day) for 
the horizontal wells. 

Well spacing is an important consideration for the Montney/Doig Natural Gas Resource Play. 
Industry competitors typically have drilled up to four wells per section per stratigraphic zone 
on 160 acre spacing. Recently, industry competitors in the Peace River Arch area have drilled 
up to eight wells per section per stratigraphic zone using 80 acre spacing. 

Reserve assignments by AJM Deloitte to Birchcliff’s lands in the Montney/Doig Natural Gas 
Resource Play are currently based on four wells per section, per stratigraphic zone. Birchcliff’s 
technological  analysis  supports  reducing  inter-well  spacing  and  in  the  future  we  expect 
AJM Deloitte to assign additional future horizontal locations and reserves based on reduced 
inter-well spacing. 

In 2011, AJM Deloitte estimated that Birchcliff had 227.7 MMboe of proved plus probable 
reserves attributed to horizontal wells on the Montney/Doig Natural Gas Resource Play. This is 
an increase of 43.7% from 158.4 MMboe proved plus probable reserves attributed to horizontal 
wells on the Montney/Doig Natural Gas Resource Play at December 31, 2010.

OPERATIONS REVIEW  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  15

 
Operations review:

<  One of our pad 

production sites on 
the Worsley Light Oil 
Resource Play.

Worsley Light Oil Resource Play

The Worsley Light Oil Resource Play has demonstrated consistent and prolific production 
performance. Successful expansion of the pool, water flood performance and the application 
of horizontal drilling and multi-stage fracture stimulation technology have all contributed to its 
continued reserve growth, production growth and high netbacks. Our assets in the Worsley 
Property (acquired in September 2007) have provided $245.4 million in operating cash flow 
from September 2007 to December 2011, $207.0 million of which has been invested back 
into the property. 

Vertical wells on the Worsley Light Oil Resource Play are drilled to approximately 1,350 metres 
and horizontal wells are drilled to a measured depth of 2,500 to 3,500 metres. Vertical wells 
deliver initial productivity rates of 30 to 100 boe per day and horizontal wells deliver 60 to 
400 boe per day. 

Drilling activities during 2011 at Worsley included three (3.0 net) vertical oil wells and 15 
(15.0 net) horizontal oil wells. The program included exploration success expanding the 
Worsley Light Oil Resource Play with one vertical well and 2 horizontal wells. 

At December 31, 2011, AJM Deloitte estimated that Birchcliff had reserves of 31.3 MMboe 
proved plus probable; and 18.8 MMboe total proved in the Worsley Charlie Lake Pool. This 
continues  the  growth  trend  for  Birchcliff’s  Worsley  reserves  since  July  1,  2007  (being  the 
effective date of the acquisition), when recoverable reserves were estimated at 15.1 MMboe 
proved  plus  probable  and  11.3  MMboe  total  proved.  Both  the  original  oil  in  place  and  the 
estimated recoverable reserves continue to grow. 

16  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  OPERATIONS REVIEW

 
New Tight/Shale Oil Resource Play Development

In  our  core  area  of  the  Peace  River  Arch,  numerous  industry  competitors  have  announced 
significant developments on a number of new tight/shale oil resource plays. Throughout 2011 
and the beginning of 2012 there have been significant lands posted and acquired in the Peace 
River Arch and numerous new wells drilled and completed targeting these new resource plays, 
including  the  Montney,  Charlie  Lake,  Nordegg  and  the  Duvernay.  We  continue  to  spend  a 
significant amount of time analyzing and evaluating various new resource plays in the Peace 
River Arch. 

During 2011, Birchcliff has acquired 110,464 (110,464 net) acres of undeveloped lands that 
management believes are prospective for one or more of these new resource plays. Consistent 
with the corporate strategy, we have acquired several large contiguous blocks at 100% working 
interest. Some of these lands are also prospective for the Montney/Doig Natural Gas Resource 
Play or the Worsley Light Oil Resource Play.

While we are early in the development of these new resource plays, based on the high level 
of  industry  activity  and  internal  technical  evaluation,  management  is  optimistic  about  their 
potential ultimate value. 

OPERATIONS REVIEW  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  17

 
Operations review:

>  The enhanced  

processing facilities 
and infrastructure at 
the PCS Gas Plant has 
allowed the Corporation 
to significantly lower its 
gas processing costs.

18  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  OPERATIONS REVIEW

FACILITIES

Birchcliff holds working interests in 12 gas plants, four of which are wholly owned and five of 
which we operate. Birchcliff holds working interests in five major oil batteries, one of which we 
operate. Birchcliff has working interests in 21 wholly owned and operated compressor sites. 
We  have  operated  approximately  29,500  horsepower  of  field  compression  in  2011,  which 
includes all operated gas plants. The addition of the Phase III expansion of the PCS Gas Plant 
will bring the total operated horsepower to over 42,000. These facilities provide low processing 
costs, third-party revenue and enable us to control production and maintain a high degree of 
operating flexibility in this highly competitive area. During 2012, we expect to spend approxi-
mately $114 million throughout our core area on our natural gas, oil and water facilities and 
production optimization projects. These investments will help us to control infrastructure and 
continue to reduce our per boe operating costs. 

PCS Gas Plant 

Birchcliff’s 100% owned  PCS Gas Plant is located in the  West District,  in the heart  of the 
Corporation’s Montney/Doig Natural Gas Resource Play. The PCS Gas Plant is capable of 
processing up to 60 MMcf per day of natural gas and is currently being expanded to 120 MMcf 
per day. The strategically situated site for the PCS Gas Plant enables the Corporation to control 
and operate all essential infrastructure - from wellhead to sales point. The PCS Gas Plant uses 
an amine system to remove sulphur content, and refrigeration to meet dew point specification. 

Construction of the PCS Gas Plant has been divided into three phases: Phase I, capable of 
processing 30 MMcf per day, commenced operation in March 2010; Phase II, which brought 
processing  capability  to  60  MMcf  per  day,  commenced  operation  in  November  2010;  and 
Phase III, currently under construction and scheduled to come on operation in the fourth quarter 
of 2012, will bring total processing capacity to 120 MMcf per day.

Using leading edge technology, the PCS Gas Plant is a state-of-the-art facility and meets or 
exceeds all ERCB and Alberta Environment requirements. The facility employs energy efficient 
equipment to optimize performance and keep operating costs low. The acid gas well located at 
the site of the PCS Gas Plant is a high quality reservoir for injection.

Phase III of the PCS Gas Plant, including the associated infrastructure, is anticipated to require 
a capital investment of approximately $75.5 million, with costs incurred in both 2011 and 
2012. The associated direct field infrastructure costs incurred for Phase III in 2011 were 
approximately $14.4 million.

The enhanced processing facilities and infrastructure at the PCS Gas Plant has allowed the 
Corporation to significantly lower its gas processing costs. In view of current natural gas prices, 
being able to produce gas at the low end of the industry cost structure gives the Corporation 
a strong competitive advantage. The PCS Gas Plant is a key component in positioning the 
Corporation as a low-cost finder and producer of natural gas in the Pouce Coupe region.

PCS Gas Plant Operating Netback

AECO  natural  gas  spot  price  averaged  $3.63  per  Mcf  during  2011  and  Birchcliff  received 
$3.98 per Mcfe, a premium to the AECO natural gas spot price due to the heat value of its 
natural gas and the value of the recovered liquids. As a result, the estimated operating netback for 
Birchcliff’s Montney/Doig natural gas wells producing to the PCS Gas Plant was approximately 
$3.24 per Mcfe ($19.46 per boe) during 2011.

 
PCS Gas Plant economics:

PRODUCTION TO PCS GAS PLANT
Average daily production, net to Birchcliff:
  Natural gas – thousands of cubic feet 
  NGLs – barrels 
Total – barrels of oil equivalent (6:1) 

NETBACK AND COST
  Petroleum and natural gas revenue 
  Royalty expense 
  Operating expense, net of recoveries 
  Transportation and marketing expense 
Estimated operating netback(3) 

2011(1)

40,334
96
6,818

$Mcfe 

$/boe

3.98(2) 
(0.26) 
(0.21) 
(0.27) 
3.24 

23.88
(1.55)
(1.28)
(1.59)
19.46

1)  Phases I and II of the PCS Gas Plant commenced operations in March and November 2010, respectively, and therefore the 2010 data is not comparable.

2)  Premium price resulting from the heat value of natural gas being processed at the PCS Gas Plant and the value of the recovered liquids. AECO natural gas spot 

averaged $3.63 per Mcf during 2011.

3)  The estimated operating netback is based upon certain cost allocations and accruals directly related to Phases I and II of the PCS Gas Plant and related wells and 

infrastructure, and are disclosed on a production month basis.

Worsley Oil Battery and Gas Plant

The  Worsley  oil  battery  and  gas  plant  are  located  in  the  North  District,  in  the  heart  of  the 
Worsley Light Oil Resource Play. Control of infrastructure in the Worsley region allows Birchcliff 
to effectively manage the operating costs associated with the oil production from this region. 
Birchcliff wholly owns and operates the Worsley oil battery and gas plant.

OPERATIONS REVIEW  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operations review:

Wells drilled in 2011

DRILLING PROGRAM

53

(44.78 net)

Birchcliff’s  2011  drilling  program,  which  offered  a  mixture  of  moderate  to  high  impact 
development and exploration prospects, focused on our two resource plays, the Montney/Doig 
Natural Gas Resource Play and the Worsley Light Oil Resource Play. During 2011, Birchcliff 
drilled  53  (44.8  net)  wells.  These  wells  included  24  (20.3  net)  natural  gas  wells,  and  28 
(23.5 net) oil wells, one (1.0 net) well drilled for the purpose of an acid gas disposal well and 
no dry holes for a 100% success rate. 

In the Pouce Coupe area Birchcliff drilled 23 (19.3 net) Montney/Doig horizontal natural gas 
wells utilizing multi-stage fracture stimulation technology. Birchcliff continues to expand the 
Montney/Doig Natural Gas Resource Play both geographically and stratigraphically, as six (6.0 net) 
of the 23 (19.3 net) Montney/Doig horizontal natural gas wells were exploration successes. Of 
those, one was in the Basal Doig/Upper Montney Play and the other five were in the Middle/
Lower  Montney  Play.  Birchcliff  also  drilled  one  (1.0  net)  successful  Montney/Doig  vertical 
exploration well. Birchcliff also drilled an acid gas disposal well as a back-up disposal well for 
the PCS Gas Plant in order to provide operational flexibility with the commissioning of Phase III 
of the PCS Gas Plant. 

Drilling activities at Worsley included 3 (3.0 net) vertical oil wells and 15 (15.0 net) horizontal 
oil wells on our Worsley Light Oil Resource Play. The program included exploration success 
expanding the Worsley Light Oil Resource Play with one vertical well and two horizontal wells. 

In 2011, Birchcliff continued to expand its use of horizontal drilling and multi-stage fracture 
stimulation technology. Success was encountered on two (1.5 net) wells targeting light oil in 
the Halfway formation and one (0.5 net) well targeting light oil in the Doig formation. 

We drilled our first horizontal and multi-stage fractured Halfway oil well (67% working interest) 
in 2010. In 2011, the first follow-up horizontal Halfway oil well (50% working interest) was 
brought on production in December 2011 with an initial production rate in excess of 1,200 
(600 net) boe per day, being 1,000 barrels per day of oil and 237 boe per day of gas. Current 
production is 973 (486 net) boe per day, being 744 barrels per day of oil and 229 boe per day 
of gas. The second follow-up horizontal Halfway oil well (100% working interest) was drilled 
in the fall 2011 and will be brought on production shortly. This well tested 828 boe per day, 
4.6 MMcf per day, at a tubing flowing pressure of 8,150 kPa with 14 bbls/MMscf liquids. 

Birchcliff  drilled  a  successful  horizontal  and  multi-stage  fractured  Doig  well  (50%  working 
interest) that had an initial production rate of 320 (160 net) boe per day, being 250 barrels of 
oil per day and 70 boe per day of gas. Production is currently restricted due to liquid handling 
capacity issues at a third party facility with a current production rate of 100 boe per day 
(70 barrels per day of oil and 30 boe per day of gas). 

Birchcliff was also active on its Doe Creek light oil pool in the Progress area drilling two  
(0.9 net) vertical and five (2.7 net) horizontal wells, all of which were successful.

20  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  OPERATIONS REVIEW

 
2011, all of which were 
Birchcliff drilled 53 (44.78 net) wells in 2011, all of which were 
successful. Of these, 46 (38.1 net) were horizontal wells.
e horizontal wells.

OPERATIONS REVIEW  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011 21

Reserves and resources:

2P reserves growth
(millions of boe)

DECEMBER 31, 2011 RESERVES EVALUATION:

  300

  250

  200

  150

  100

50

0

2007 

2011

Deloitte & Touche LLP (“AJM Deloitte”), independent qualified reserves evaluators of Calgary, 
Alberta, prepared a Reserves Assessment and Economic Evaluation effective December 31, 
2011 in respect of Birchcliff’s oil and natural gas properties, which is contained in a report 
dated  February  21,  2012  (the  “AJM  Deloitte  Evaluation”).  A  predecessor  of  AJM  Deloitte, 
AJM  Petroleum  Consultants  prepared  a  reserves  evaluation  effective  December  31,  2010. 
Reserves estimates stated herein as at December 31, 2011 and 2010 are extracted from the 
relevant evaluation. The AJM Deloitte Evaluation and the prior reserves evaluation have been 
prepared in accordance with the standards contained in the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation 
Handbook (“COGEH”) and National Instrument 51-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Oil and 
Gas Activities (“NI 51-101”).

Information provided in this Annual Report is based on AJM Deloitte’s December 31, 2011 
forecast of commodity prices and costs (the “AJM Deloitte Price Forecast”) which can be found at 
http://www.ajmpc.com/price-forecasts.html. The natural gas price forecast used by AJM Deloitte 
for the years 2012 through 2016 is approximately $0.87 per MMbtu lower than the forecast 
used by AJM Deloitte for the same years in its December 31, 2010 reserves evaluation. 

22  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  RESERVES AND RESOURCES

 
 
 
 
2P reserves

2P reserves

2P reserves

35%

36.9

$3.3

increase per basic share

percent increase

billion NPV 10%

Reserves Data

The  following  table  summarizes  AJM  Deloitte’s  estimates  of  Birchcliff’s  working  interest  oil 
and natural gas reserves at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, using AJM Deloitte 
forecast price assumptions in effect at the evaluation date.

Proved developed producing 

Total proved 

Probable 

Proved plus probable 

Dec 31, 2011 

Dec 31, 2010 

% Increase from 
Dec 31, 2010

MMboe 

38.7 

156.2 

119.3 

275.4 

MMboe

30.8 

114.0 

87.1 

201.1 

25.6%

37.0%

37.0%

36.9%

Net Present Values of Future Net Revenues

The following table summarizes AJM Deloitte’s estimates at December 31, 2011 of Birchcliff’s 
future net revenue attributable to its oil and natural gas reserves before deducting future 
income tax expenses at various discount rates. 

Net present value of future net revenue(1) at December 31, 2010:

Before Income Taxes Discounted at % per year

Forecast prices and costs

$millions

Proved
  Developed producing 
  Developed non-producing 
  Undeveloped 
Total proved 

Probable 

Proved plus probable 

0% 

5% 

8% 

10% 

15% 

20%

1,291.1 
178.3 
2,764.2 
4,233.6 

4,187.1 

8,420.7 

992.1 
139.2 
1,697.6 
2,828.9 

2,252.1 

5,081.0 

871.1 
122.3 
1,284.9 
2,278.3 

1,627.7 

3,906.0 

806.1 
113.0 
1,070.2 
1,989.3 

1,330.8 

3,320.2 

681.1 
94.5 
677.4 
1,453.0 

838.7 

592.0
80.9
418.9
1,091.8

552.9

2,291.7 

1,644.7

1)  National Instrument 51-101 requires the inclusion of the following statement: Estimates of future net revenues whether discounted or not do not represent fair 

market value. 

RESERVES AND RESOURCES  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  23

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Birchcliff  added  12.2  boe  of  2P  reserves  for  each  boe  that 
was produced during the year, a 1,223% reserve replacement 
on a 2P basis.

Forecast Prices Used in Estimates

The following table sets out the forecast price assumptions used by AJM Deloitte for the AJM 
Deloitte Evaluation. The pricing and cost assumptions used were determined by AJM Deloitte 
using information available from numerous governmental agencies, industry publications, oil 
refineries,  natural  gas  marketers  and  industry  trends.  These  forecast  price  assumptions  are 
subject  to  many  uncertainties  that  exist  in  both  the  domestic  and  international  petroleum 
industries.

AJM Deloitte price forecast at December 31, 2011:

Year 

WTI 
crude oil 

Edmonton    
City Gate  

Natural gas 
at AECO 

Edmonton 
propane 

Edmonton 
butane 

Edmonton 
C5+ 

Currency 
exchange rate 

Inflation 
rate

Crude oil 

Natural gas 

Natural gas liquids 

$US/bbl 

$CDN/bbl 

$CDN/Mcf 

$CDN/bbl 

$CDN/bbl 

$CDN/bbl 

$US/$CDN 

percent

2012   
2013   
2014   
2015   
2016   
2017   
2018   
2019   
2020   
2021   
Thereafter escalate at 2.0% per annum 

100.00 
102.00 
104.05 
106.10 
108.25 
110.40 
112.60 
114.85 
117.15 
119.50 

98.00 
100.00 
102.00 
104.00 
106.10 
108.20 
110.35 
112.55 
114.80 
117.10 

3.50 
4.10 
4.70 
5.15 
5.55 
6.00 
6.40 
6.90 
7.40 
7.75 

53.90 
55.00 
56.10 
57.20 
58.35 
59.50 
60.70 
61.90 
63.15 
64.40 

83.30 
85.00 
86.70 
88.40 
90.20 
91.95 
93.80 
95.65 
97.60 
99.55 

102.90 
105.00 
107.10 
109.20 
111.40 
113.60 
115.85 
118.20 
120.55 
122.95 

1.000 
1.000 
1.000 
1.000 
1.000 
1.000 
1.000 
1.000 
1.000 
1.000 

0.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0
2.0

Reconciliation of Changes in Reserves

The  following  tables  set  forth  a  reconciliation  of  the  Corporation’s  gross  reserves  using  the 
AJM Deloitte Price Forecast for the year ended December 31, 2011 as derived from the AJM 
Deloitte Evaluation against the AJM evaluation of such reserves for the year ended December 31, 
2010, using the AJM price forecast provided in the AJM evaluation for the year ended 
December 31, 2010.

24  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  RESERVES AND RESOURCES

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Light and 
medium crude oil 

Natural gas 

mbbl 

MMcf 

NGLs 

mbbl 

Oil equivalent

mboe

Forecast prices and costs

RECONCILIATION OF GROSS TOTAL PROVED RESERVES
Opening balance December 31, 2010 
  Discoveries 
  Extensions(1) and improved recovery 

Infill drilling 

  Technical revisions(2) 
  Acquisitions 
  Dispositions 
  Economic factors(3) 
  Production(4) 

Closing balance December 31, 2011 

RECONCILIATION OF GROSS PROBABLE RESERVES
Opening balance December 31, 2010 
  Discoveries 
  Extensions(1) and improved recovery 

Infill drilling 

  Technical revisions(5) 
  Acquisitions 
  Dispositions 
  Economic factors(3) 
  Production(4) 

18,571.0 
0.0 
2,267.4 
73.7 
198.2 
282.9 
-518.8 
2.2 
-1,425.2 

19,451.4 

9,829.1 
0.0 
3,154.0 
686.1 
-446.7 
62.9 
-158.4 
-0.8 
0.0 

548,069.9 
0.0 
211,973.0 
9,078.2 
56,998.9 
303.3 
-5,233.5 
15.0 
-29,972.2 

791,232.6 

443,885.3 
0.0 
192,615.0 
3,721.8 
-25,106.7 
863.5 
-4,995.1 
-28.1 
0.0 

Closing balance December 31, 2011 

13,126.2 

610,955.7 

RECONCILIATION OF GROSS PROVED PLUS  

  PROBABLE RESERVES
Opening balance December 31, 2010 
  Discoveries 
  Extensions(1) and improved recovery 

Infill drilling 

  Technical revisions(2) 
  Acquisitions 
  Dispositions 
  Economic factors(3) 
  Production(4) 

28,400.1 
0.0 
5,421.4 
759.8 
-248.5 
345.8 
-677.2 
1.4 
-1,425.2 

991,955.2 
0.0 
404,588.0 
12,800.0 
31,892.2 
1,166.8 
-10,228.6 
-13.1 
-29,972.2 

Closing balance December 31, 2011 

32,577.6 

1,402,188.3 

4,066.4 
0.0 
1,369.7 
70.2 
-452.1 
1.2 
-16.1 
-1.2 
-199.0 

4,839.1 

3,344.4 
0.0 
1,403.0 
33.1 
-453.5 
10.0 
-11.5 
-0.5 
0.0 

4,325.0 

7,410.8 
0.0 
2,772.7 
103.3 
-905.6 
11.2 
-27.6 
-1.7 
-199.0 

9,164.1 

113,982.4
0.0
38,966.0
1,656.9
9,245.5
334.7
-1,407.2
3.5
-6,619.6

156,162.6

87,154.4
0.0
36,659.5
1,339.5
-5,084.7
216.8
-1,002.4
-6.0
0.0

119,277.2

201,136.8
0.0
75,625.5
2,996.4
4,161.3
551.5
-2,409.6
-2.5
-6,619.6

275,439.8

1)  The majority of reserve changes comprising “Extensions” were the result of drilling activities in the Montney/Doig Natural Gas Resource Play.  Wells were drilled 
extending the resource play beyond lands to which reserves had previously been attributed.  As a result of these successful wells, reserves were attributed to future 
well locations proximal to these wells.

2)  The majority of the Natural Gas and NGLs technical revisions are a result of a lower ultimate exponential decline rate, a higher initial type curve rate and lowered 

NGL yields in the Montney/Dog Natural Gas Resource Play.

3)  “Economic Factors”, although not significant, result from natural gas prices forecast by AJM Deloitte that were significantly lower than the 2010 AJM evaluation for 

the entire forecast period, and resulted in negative impacts on reserve volumes.

4)  Represents production for 2011.

5)  The majority of the Natural Gas and NGLs technical revisions are a result of probable reserves being converted to proved reserves due to the lower proved decline 

rate and lowered NGL yields in the Montney/Dog Natural Gas Resource Play.

RESERVES AND RESOURCES  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  25

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reserves and resources:

2P FD&A

Finding and Development Costs

$2.92

per boe, excluding FDC  
$12.31 per boe, including FDC

During 2011, Birchcliff’s net capital expenditures were $237.5 million, which was comprised 
of approximately $239.4 million for exploration and development (including $58.1 million for 
gas plant construction, pipelines, facilities and well equipment) and $1.0 million for adminis-
trative assets, and less $2.9 million for net dispositions. 

The following table sets forth Birchcliff’s estimates of its F&D costs and FD&A costs per 
boe excluding future development capital and including future development capital on a total 
proved and proved plus probable basis. 

FD&A costs per boe excluding future development capital:

  F&D – total proved 
  F&D – proved plus probable 
  Acquisitions – total proved 
  Acquisitions – proved plus probable 
  FD&A – total proved 
  FD&A – proved plus probable 

FD&A costs per boe including future development capital(1):

  F&D – total proved 
  F&D – proved plus probable 
  Acquisitions – total proved 
  Acquisitions – proved plus probable 
  FD&A – total proved 
  FD&A – proved plus probable 

2011 

2010 

2009 

$4.77 
$2.88 
$732.34 
$36.11 
$4.85 
$2.92 

$9.09 
$5.49 
$0.62 
$0.31 
$7.61 
$4.49 

$2.57 
$1.57 
$8.84 
$6.32 
$2.63 
$1.61 

2011 

2010 

2009 

$13.15 
$12.01 
$732.34 
$36.11 
$13.47 
$12.31 

$13.01 
$9.89 
$0.62 
$0.31 
$11.12 
$8.34 

$7.12 
$5.36 
$8.84 
$6.32 
$7.13 
$5.37 

Three year 
average

$5.01
$3.04
$3.06
$1.57
$4.80
$2.89

Three year 
average

$11.10
$9.33
$3.06
$1.57
$10.79
$9.04

1)   Includes the increase in future development capital for 2011 over 2010 of $420.7 million on a proved basis and $759.5 million on a proved plus probable basis.

AJM Deloitte’s estimates of future development costs are $1.19 billion on a total proved basis 
and $1.90 billion on a proved plus probable basis, which includes: (a) approximately $54 million 
of remaining capital to be spent in 2012 for the Phase III expansion of the PCS Gas Plant from 
60 MMcf per day to 120 MMcf per day of total capacity; and (b) approximately $130 million 
for the Phase IV expansion of the PCS Gas Plant from 120 MMcf per day to 240 MMcf per day 
of total capacity. The increase in future development capital for 2011 over 2010 is $421 million 
on a total proved basis and $760 million on a proved plus probable basis. 

26  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  RESERVES AND RESOURCES

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reserve Life Index

Birchcliff’s reserve life index is 36 years on proved plus probable basis and 20 years on a total 
proved basis, in each case using reserves estimates at December 31, 2011 and assuming an 
average daily production rate of 21,100 boe per day. 

Montney/Doig Natural Gas Resource Play Reserve Details

AJM Deloitte estimated that Birchcliff had 227.7 MMboe of proved plus probable reserves 
attributed to horizontal wells on the Montney/Doig Natural Gas Resource Play. This is an 
increase of 43.7% from 158.4 MMboe proved plus probable reserves attributed to horizontal 
wells on the Montney/Doig Natural Gas Resource Play at December 31, 2010.

The following tables summarize AJM Deloitte’s estimates of reserves attributable to Birchcliff’s 
horizontal  wells  on  the  Montney/Doig  Natural  Gas  Resource  Play,  the  number  of  horizontal 
wells to which reserves were attributed and the future capital associated with such reserves.

Montney/Doig Natural Gas Resource Play reserves data:

Reserve life index
(years)

36

on 2P basis assuming  
21,100 boe/day production rate

Natural gas 

Natural gas liquids 

Total 

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010 

bcf 

bcf 

mbbl 

mbbl 

2011 

mboe 

2010 

mboe 

Existing horizontal wells and 
future horizontal well locations 

2011 

2010 

2011 

2010 

Net future capital

2011(1) 

2010

gross 

gross 

net 

net 

$millions 

$millions

Proved  
  developed  
  producing 
Total proved 
Proved plus  
  Probable 

147.7 
737.1 

99.3 
494.4 

808.3 
4,238.5 

658.2 
3,570.6 

25,424.2 
127,094.1 

17,213.6 
85,970.0 

68 
284 

48 
221 

56.8 
232.8 

40.0 
177.3 

0 
1,027.1 

0
596.7

1,316.8 

910.5 

8,216.2 

6,653.2 

227,676.9 

158,403.2 

425 

321 

352.7 

259.0 

1,605.1 

938.3

1)   Includes approximately $54 million and $130 million of capital respectively, for the Phase III and Phase IV expansions of the PCS Gas Plant to total processing 

capacity of 240 MMcf per day.

Montney/Doig land and horizontal wells data:

Number of sections to which AJM Deloitte attributed reserves 
Number of existing wells and future horizontal well  

locations to which AJM Deloitte attributed reserves 
Average proved plus probable reserves attributed by  
  AJM Deloitte per existing horizontal well 
Average proved plus probable reserves attributed by  
  AJM Deloitte per future horizontal well location  
Average cost per well as forecast by AJM Deloitte 
Average number of net existing horizontal wells and  

future horizontal well locations per net section to which  
reserves were attributed by AJM Deloitte 

gross 

98.5 

2011 

net 

83.4 

gross 

91.2 

2010

net

76.1

425.0 

352.7 

321.0 

259.0

4.3 Bcfe 

4.0 Bcfe 
$4.8 million 

4.2 Bcfe

3.9 Bcfe
$4.0 million

4.2(1) 

3.4

1)   Currently, the average number of net existing horizontal wells and future horizontal well locations per net section, to which Basal Doig/Upper Montney reserves were 

attributed by AJM Deloitte, is 3.4 wells per section and to which Middle/Lower Montney reserves were attributed by AJM Deloitte, is 2.4 wells per section. 

RESERVES AND RESOURCES  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  27

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reserves and resources:

<  Birchcliff’s large 

contiguous blocks of 
land on the Montney/
Doig Natural Gas 
Resource Play are 
proximal to its PCS  
Gas Plant.

AJM Deloitte has attributed Montney/Doig proved plus probable reserves to 98.5 (83.4 net) 
sections of land. Drilling success during 2011 in the Middle/Lower Montney Play, has resulted 
in  significant  reserve  assignments  by  AJM  Deloitte  to  74.2  (63.3  net)  sections  of  land,  an 
increase of 23.1 net sections of land since 2010. AJM Deloitte has assigned reserves in 
the Basal Doig/Upper Montney Play to 71.5 (58.9 net) sections of land. There are now 47.2 
(38.8 net) sections to which AJM Deloitte has assigned reserves in respect of both the Basal 
Doig/Upper Montney Play and the Middle/Lower Montney Play.

Birchcliff believes that the ultimate recovery from its Montney/Doig horizontal natural gas wells 
will continue to improve year over year as production declines continue to flatten. In addition, 
as drilling and completion technologies continue to improve, recovery factors and production 
rates in this unconventional reservoir should also improve.

Worsley Light Oil Resource Play Reserves

At December 31, 2011, AJM Deloitte estimated that Birchcliff had reserves of 31.3 MMboe 
proved plus probable; and 18.8 MMboe total proved in the Worsley Charlie Lake Pool. This 
continues  the  growth  trend  for  Birchcliff’s  Worsley  reserves  since  July  1,  2007  (being  the 
effective date of the acquisition), when recoverable reserves were estimated at 15.1 MMboe 
proved  plus  probable  and  11.3  MMboe  total  proved.  Both  the  original  oil  in  place  and  the 
estimated recoverable reserves continue to grow and Birchcliff is pleased to report that the 
Worsley light oil pool continues to prove itself as a top quality asset. 

History of reserves estimated for the Worsley Charlie Lake Pool:

Dec 31, 2011 

Dec 31, 2010 

Dec 31, 2009 

Dec 31, 2008 

Dec 31, 2007 

July 1, 2007

(MMboe)

Total Proved  
Proved Plus Provable  

18.8 
31.3 

18.8 
28.2 

18.3 
26.3 

17.5 
24.6 

15.0 
21.2 

11.3
15.1

28  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  RESERVES AND RESOURCES

 
 
 
 
 
Birchcliff has 2.15 Tcfe of Contingent Resources, which are of 
similar  technical  quality  as  the  2P  reserves  estimated  by  AJM 
Deloitte, but are not included in the 2P category because they 
are subject to contingencies that primarily relate to the forecast 
timing of their development.

DECEMBER 31, 2011 MONTNEY/DOIG NATURAL GAS RESOURCE ASSESSMENT

AJM Deloitte prepared an independent Resource Assessment effective December 31, 2011 
in respect of Birchcliff’s lands that have potential for the Montney/Doig Natural Gas Resource 
Play, which is contained in a report dated March 8, 2012 (the “AJM Deloitte Resource 
Assessment”). A predecessor of AJM Deloitte, AJM Petroleum Consultants prepared a resource 
assessment effective December 31, 2010. Resource estimates stated herein as at December 
31, 2011 and 2010 are extracted from the relevant evaluation. The AJM Deloitte Resource 
Assessment and the prior resource assessments have been prepared in accordance with the 
standards contained in COGEH and NI 51-101. 

All resource data disclosed herein are extracted from the AJM Deloitte Resource Assessment 
and reflects only Birchcliff’s working interest share of resources for its lands in the area covered 
by the AJM Deloitte Resource Assessment (the “Study Area”). The AJM Deloitte Resource 
Assessment does not include Birchcliff’s Worsley Light Oil Resource Play or any of Birchcliff’s 
other properties. 

At December 31, 2011 on the Montney/Doig Natural Gas Resource Play, AJM Deloitte estimated 
that Birchcliff had 1.38 Tcfe (227.7 million boe) of proved plus probable reserves and on a 
best estimate case: 

(cid:2)  39.05 Tcfe of Total PIIP; 
(cid:2)  7.30 Tcfe of Total Discovered PIIP;
(cid:2)  31.74 Tcfe of Total Undiscovered PIIP;
(cid:2)  15.51 Tcfe of Prospective Resources; and
(cid:2)  2.15 Tcfe of Contingent Resources.

BACKGROUND TO THE MONTNEY/DOIG NATURAL GAS RESOURCE ASSESSMENT

The Study Area is comprised of the Doig Phosphate, Basal Doig, and Montney formations in 
the greater Pouce Coupe, Elmworth and Bezanson areas of the Peace River Arch region of 
Alberta, ranging from Townships 69 to 81, Ranges 1 to 14W6. The Study Area is bounded in 
a northwest – southeast direction by the Montney/Doig Deep Basin Edges and covered a total 
of 312 (275.7 net) sections of land held by Birchcliff at December 31, 2011, which includes: 

(cid:2)  290 (263.0 net) sections of land that has Montney rights and has potential for the Middle/

Lower Montney Play; and 

(cid:2)  245 (214.0 net) sections of land that has Doig rights and has potential for the Basal Doig/

Upper Montney Play.

AJM Deloitte utilized probabilistic methods to generate high, best, and low estimates of these 
volumes.

RESERVES AND RESOURCES  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  29

 
Reserves and resources:

Montney/Doig 
natural gas resources

39

Tcfe of total PIIP

Reserves and resource data:

The following table summarizes AJM Deloitte’s estimates of Birchcliff’s working interest share 
of gross resource volumes. Proved and proved plus probable and proved plus probable plus 
possible  reserves  determined  by  the  AJM  Deloitte  Evaluation  are  included  in  this  table  for 
completeness, however reserves were not the focus of the AJM Deloitte Resource Assessment.

Summary of Birchcliff reserves and resources on Birchcliff lands(1):

Resource class 

Bcfe

DISCOVERED
  Cumulative production(2) 
  Remaining reserves(2)(3) 
  Surface loss/shrinkage 

  Total commercial 

  Contingent Resources 
  Unrecoverable(4) 

  Total sub-commercial 

  Total discovered PIIP 

UNDISCOVERED
  Prospective resources 
  Unrecoverable(4) 

  Total undiscovered PIIP 

Low estimate case  

Best estimate case 

High estimate case 

Working interest

63.9 
769.6 
47.6 

881.1 

2,056.5 
3,670.9 

5,727.4 

63.9 
1,376.0 
83.2 

1,523.1 

2,149.6 
3,631.5 

5,781.1 

6,608.5 

7,304.2 

63.9
2,279.1
135.2

2,478.2

2,290.8
3,576.5

5,867.3

8,345.6

11,695.2 
15,740.6 

27,435.8 

15,514.9 
16,229.4 

31,744.3 

20,771.7
16,121.9

36,893.6

Total Petroleum Initially In Place (PIIP) 

34,044.3 

39,048.5 

45,239.2

1)  All volumes at December 31, 2011. All Reserves and Resources are gross volumes, which are equal to Birchcliff’s working interest share before deduction of royalties 

and without including any royalties held by Birchcliff.

2)  Sales gas and related natural gas liquids.

3)  Includes reserves assigned to both vertical and horizontal Montney/Doig wells. The best estimate reflects the estimate of proved plus probable reserves contained 
in the AJM Deloitte Evaluation. The low estimate reflects the estimate of proved reserves contained in the AJM Deloitte Evaluation. The high estimate reflects the 
estimate of proved plus probable plus possible reserves contained in the AJM Deloitte Evaluation.

4)  Unrecoverable includes surface loss/shrinkage on volumes of Contingent Resources and Prospective Resources. The unrecoverable portion of Undiscovered PIIP is 
those quantities determined not to be recoverable by future development projects. A portion of these resources may become recoverable in the future as commercial 
circumstances change or technological developments occur, but the remaining portion may never be recovered due to physical and/or chemical constraints of the 
reservoir rock and the fluid within it.

30  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  RESERVES AND RESOURCES

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Health, safety & environment:

<  Our water treatment 
system allows us to 
conserve water by 
recovering brine and 
recycling the water 
used in our drilling and 
completion operations.

HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT

In  all  of  our  operations,  we  are  committed  to  the  health  and  safety  of  our  employees,  the 
public at large and the environment. We strive to minimize the environmental impact of our 
operations and to meet or exceed industry best practices and government standards appli-
cable to our business. We have implemented rigorous safety policies, procedures, standards 
and training and work hard to continually improve.

Fostering a relationship with the community is as integral to the success of our projects as 
obtaining the required regulatory approvals. At Birchcliff, we believe cooperative, sincere and 
responsive consultation efforts with residents in the areas in which we operate creates a solid 
foundation for our business. Birchcliff has an experienced team working with local residents to 
learn their values and priorities and to resolve any issues or concerns that arise in the course 
of our field operations. 

Through investments in state-of-the-art equipment and technology, we have taken an innovative 
approach to reducing our environmental impact. Our PCS Gas Plant has near-zero emissions. 
Variable speed drives used throughout the PCS Gas Plant optimize performance and minimize 
energy consumption and solar power is used to drive pumps, valves and communication equip-
ment at producing well sites. Our water treatment system located at the PCS Gas Plant site 
began operating on October 13, 2011, with the goal of providing an alternative to purchasing 
brine for our drilling and completion operations. The brine recovery system provides significant 
cost savings and allows us to conserve water by recycling water used in our drilling and 
completion operations. We are continuously evaluating new technology and techniques across 
our operations to help improve efficiency and reduce our environmental footprint.

HS&E AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  31

 
Community support:

>  Diane Knoblauch,  

Mike Cordingley and 
Vince Zylinsky at the 
logo unveiling ceremony 
with the STARS 
Foundation.

32  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  COMMUNITY SUPPORT

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Birchcliff recognizes the role that communities play in our company’s success and looks for 
opportunities to “give back.” Every year, we participate in a number of community support 
endeavours in the areas surrounding our field operations and in Calgary.

In 2011 we contributed to a number of local community initiatives that elevate and enhance 
quality of life at the local level – including minor hockey, amateur sports, agricultural societies 
and fire departments.

STARS Air Ambulance is an important partner in trauma care for the Grande Prairie region of 
Alberta. In 2011, their fleet of helicopters added the Birchcliff logo in recognition of our strong 
level of support. We support the United Way and make a direct annual contribution to Home 
Front Calgary, a community-justice response team dedicated to helping families experiencing 
domestic violence. Every year, our Calgary employees volunteer with Feed the Hungry for the 
Sunday Dinner Program, which provides full course, nutritious meals to an average of 700 dinner 
guests  in  an  atmosphere  of  dignity  and  respect.  During  the  holiday  season,  our  employees 
“adopt” a number of families in need and donate gifts, food and decorations to help make the 
holidays special. 

Through these various activities, Birchcliff creates and maintains long-term, positive partner-
ships and relationships, while promoting employee engagement in the communities where we 
live and work.

 
Board of Directors:

Our Board of Directors provides leadership and supervises the management of the business and affairs of Birchcliff. In fulfilling 
their mandate, the Directors have a responsibility to act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of Birchcliff. 

Laurence A. (Larry) Shaw 

Kenneth N. (Ken) Cullen

Mr.  Shaw  is  the  Chairman  of  the  Board  of  Birchcliff  and  is 
a member of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee 
and  Reserves  Evaluation  Committee.  He  has  more  than  25 
years  of  experience  in  the  oil  and  gas  industry  and  is  one  of 
the Corporation’s founders. Prior to joining Birchcliff, Mr. Shaw 
served as Chairman of the Board of Case Resources Inc., Big 
Bear Exploration Ltd. and Stampeder Exploration Ltd. He was 
President  of  Shaw  Automotive  Group  Ltd.  and  Shaw  G.M.C. 
Pontiac Buick Hummer Ltd. Mr. Shaw received his Honors 
Degree  in  Business  Administration  from  the  University  of 
Western Ontario.

Gordon W. (Scotty) Cameron

Mr.  Cameron  is  a  Director  of  Birchcliff  and  is  a  member  of 
the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Reserves 
Evaluation Committee. He has more than 43 years of experience 
in the oil and gas industry and is one of the Corporation’s founders. 
Prior  to  joining  Birchcliff,  Mr.  Cameron  served  as  a  director 
of Case Resources Inc., Big Bear Exploration Ltd., Transwest 
Energy  Inc.,  Stampeder  Exploration  Ltd.  and  as  director  and 
Chairman  of  the  Board  of  Novagas  Clearinghouse  Ltd.  and 
Maximum Energy Trust. He was President and Chief Executive 
Officer  of  Pan-Alberta  Gas  Ltd.  and  Chairman  of  the  Energy 
Council  of  Canada.  Mr.  Cameron  received  his  Bachelor  of 
Commerce  Degree  and  his  Doctor  of  Laws  Degree  from  the 
University of Saskatchewan. Mr. Cameron received the Order 
of  Canada  in  1995  in  recognition  of  his  contributions  to  the 
Canadian business community and his extensive philanthropic 
work.

Mr.  Cullen  is  a  Director  of  Birchcliff  and  is  a  member  of  the 
Audit  Committee,  Compensation  Committee  and  Reserves 
Evaluation Committee. He has more than 30 years experience 
working with companies in the oil and gas industry as a partner 
at Deloitte & Touche LLP in the Assurance and Advisory (Audit) 
group  prior  to  his  retirement  in  2006.  Mr.  Cullen  currently 
serves as a director of each of Southern Pacific Resource Corp. 
and Parkbridge Lifestyle Communities Inc. Mr. Cullen received 
his  Chartered  Accountant  Designation  from  the  Institute  of 
Chartered Accountants of British Columbia.

Werner A. (Vern) Siemens

Mr.  Siemens  is  a  Director  of  Birchcliff  and  is  a  member  of 
the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Reserves 
Evaluation Committee. He has more than 25 years of experience 
in  the  oil  and  gas  industry  and  is  one  of  the  Corporation’s 
founders.  Prior  to  joining  Birchcliff,  Mr.  Siemens  served  as  a 
Director of Case Resources Ltd., Big Bear Exploration Ltd. and 
Stampeder  Exploration  Ltd.  He  was  Vice-President  of  Agra 
Industries  Ltd.  and  President  and  Chief  Executive  Officer  of 
Blue Label Beverages Ltd.

A. Jeffery Tonken

See Mr. Tonken’s biography under “Executive team.”

BOARD OF DIRECTORS  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  33

 
Executive team:

34  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  EXECUTIVE TEAM

 
A. Jeffery Tonken
President & Chief Executive Officer
jtonken@birchcliffenergy.com

David M. Humphreys
Vice President, Operations
dhumphreys@birchcliffenergy.com

Mr. Tonken is the President and Chief Executive Officer and a 
Director of Birchcliff. He has more than 31 years of experience in 
the oil and gas industry and is one of the Corporation’s founders. 
Prior to creating Birchcliff, Mr. Tonken founded and served as 
President and Chief Executive Officer of Case Resources Inc., 
Big  Bear  Exploration  Ltd.  and  Stampeder  Exploration  Ltd. 
Mr. Tonken was previously a Partner of the law firm Howard, 
Mackie (now Borden Ladner Gervais LLP). Mr. Tonken currently 
serves as a Governor of the Canadian Association of Petroleum 
Producers  (CAPP).  Mr.  Tonken  received  his  Bachelor  of 
Commerce  degree  from  the  University  of  Alberta  and  his 
Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Wales.

Myles R. Bosman
Vice President, Exploration & Chief Operating Officer
mbosman@birchcliffenergy.com

Mr. Bosman is Vice-President, Exploration and Chief Operating 
Officer and is a Professional Geologist. He has more than 21 
years of experience in the oil and gas industry and is one of the 
Corporation’s founders. Prior to joining Birchcliff, Mr. Bosman 
served  as  Vice-President,  Exploration  and  Chief  Operating 
Officer of Case Resources Inc.; Exploration Manager of Summit 
Resources  Ltd.;  and  as  an  Exploration  Geologist  with  both 
Numac Energy Inc. and Canadian Hunter Exploration. Mr. Bosman 
received  his  Bachelor  of  Science  degree  in  Geology  from  the 
University  of  Calgary  and  his  Resource  Engineering  diploma 
from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology.

Bruno P. Geremia
Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
bgeremia@birchcliffenergy.com

Mr. Geremia is Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer and is 
a Chartered Accountant. He has more than 20 years of experi-
ence in the oil and gas industry and is one of the Corporation’s 
founders. Prior to joining Birchcliff, Mr. Geremia served as Vice-
President and Chief Financial Officer of both Case Resources 
Inc.  and  Big  Bear  Exploration  Ltd.;  as  Director,  Commercial 
of  Gulf  Canada  Resources;  and  as  Manager,  Special  Projects 
of  Stampeder  Exploration  Ltd.  Mr.  Geremia  was  previously  a 
Chartered Accountant with Deloitte & Touche LLP. Mr. Geremia 
received his Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University 
of Calgary.

Mr. Humphreys is Vice-President, Operations and has more than 
25 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. Prior to joining 
Birchcliff in 2009, he served as Vice-President, Operations of 
Highpine  Oil  &  Gas  Ltd.,  White  Fire  Energy  Ltd.,  and  Virtus 
Energy Ltd.; Production Manager of both Husky Oil Operations 
Ltd.  and  Ionic  Energy;  and  as  a  Senior  Production  Engineer 
with Northrock Resources Ltd. Mr. Humphreys received his 
Hydrocarbon Engineering Technology diploma from the Northern 
Alberta Institute of Technology.

Karen A. Pagano
Vice President, Engineering
kpagano@birchcliffenergy.com

Ms. Pagano is Vice-President, Engineering and is a Professional 
Engineer with more than 23 years of experience in the oil and 
gas industry. She previously served as Vice-President, Operations 
and as a Senior Exploitation Engineer with Birchcliff. Prior to 
joining Birchcliff in 2005, she was Manager of Operations of 
Koch  Exploration;  a  Senior  Production  Engineer  with  Upton 
Resources Inc.; and a Senior Drilling and Completions Engineer 
with Alberta Energy Company. Ms. Pagano received her Bachelor 
of  Electrical  Engineering  degree,  with  distinction,  from  the 
University of Saskatchewan.

James W. Surbey
Vice President, Corporate Development
jsurbey@birchcliffenergy.com

Mr. Surbey is Vice-President, Corporate Development and is a 
member of the Law Society of Alberta. He has more than 34 
years of experience in the oil and gas industry and is one of the 
Corporation’s founders. Prior to joining Birchcliff he served as 
Vice-President, Corporate Development of Case Resources Inc.; 
Senior  Vice-President,  Corporate  Development  of  Big  Bear 
Exploration Ltd.; and Vice-President, Corporate Development of 
Stampeder Exploration Ltd. Mr. Surbey was previously a Senior 
Partner of the law firm Howard, Mackie (now Borden Ladner 
Gervais LLP). Mr. Surbey received his Bachelor of Engineering 
degree and Bachelor of Laws degree from McGill University.

EXECUTIVE TEAM  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  35

 
Glossary of terms:

DEFINITIONS

2P: Proved plus probable reserves.

AJM  Deloitte:  Deloitte  &  Touche  LLP,  independent  qualified  reserves 

evaluators of Calgary, Alberta.

AJM  Evaluation:  Independent  evaluation  dated  February  21,  2012 
prepared by AJM Deloitte, evaluating the Corporation’s oil and gas 
assets as at December 31, 2011.

COHEH: Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook.

Crown: Government of Alberta.

East District: Area designated by Birchcliff as the East District on the 

map found at page 8. 

ERCB: Energy Resources Conservation Board.

F&D: Finding and development.

FD&A: Finding, development and acquisition.

IFRS: International Financial Reporting Standards.

Montney/Doig  Natural  Gas  Resource  Play:  Birchcliff’s  Montney  and 
Doig formation natural gas resource play located in Birchcliff’s West 
and East Districts.

NI 51-101: National Instrument 51-101 - Standards of Disclosure for 

Oil and Gas Activities.

North District: Area designated by Birchcliff as the North District on 

the map found on page 8.

NPV: Net present value.

PCS  Gas  Plant:  Birchcliff’s  100%  owned  and  operated  natural  gas 
processing  plant  located  in  the  West  District,  Pouce  Coupe  South 
region, at 03-22-078-12W6.

Peace River Arch: Peace River Arch area of Alberta, a geological area 
centred northwest of Grande Prairie, adjacent to the British Columbia 
border.

Reserves:  Estimated  remaining  quantities  of  oil  and  natural  gas  and 
related  substances  anticipated  to  be  recoverable  from  known 
accumulations, as of a given date, based on the analysis of drilling, 
geological, geophysical and engineering data; the use of established 
technology; and specified economic conditions, which are generally 
accepted as being reasonable. Reserves are classified according to 
the degree of certainty associated with the estimates: 

  Proved Reserves: Those reserves that can be estimated with a high 
degree of certainty to be recoverable. It is likely that the actual 
remaining quantities recovered will exceed the estimated proved 
reserves.

  Probable Reserves: Those additional reserves that are less certain to 
be recovered than proved reserves. It is equally likely that the actual 
remaining quantities recovered will be greater or less than the sum 
of the estimated proved plus probable reserves.

  Possible  Reserves:  Those  additional  reserves  that  are  less  certain 
to be recovered than probable reserves. It is unlikely that the actual 
remaining quantities recovered will exceed the sum of the estimated 
proved plus probable plus possible reserves.

Resources: All petroleum quantities that originally existed on or within 
the  earth’s  crust  in  naturally  occurring  accumulations,  including 
Discovered and Undiscovered (recoverable and unrecoverable) plus 
quantities already produced. “Total resources” is equivalent to “Total 
Petroleum Initially-In-Place”. Resources are classified in the following 
categories:

  Total Petroleum Initially-In-Place (“PIIP”): That quantity of petroleum 
that is estimated to exist originally in naturally occurring accumula-
tions. It includes that quantity of petroleum that is estimated, as of 
a  given  date,  to  be  contained  in  known  accumulations,  prior  to 
production, plus those estimated quantities in accumulations yet to 
be discovered;

  Discovered PIIP: That quantity of petroleum that is estimated, as 
of  a  given  date,  to  be  contained  in  known  accumulations  prior  to 
production. The recoverable portion of discovered petroleum initially 
in  place  includes  production,  reserves,  and  contingent  resources; 
the remainder is unrecoverable; 

  Contingent Resources: Those quantities of petroleum estimated, as of 
a given date, to be potentially recoverable from known accumulations 
using established technology or technology under development but 
which are not currently considered to be commercially recoverable 
due to one or more contingencies; 

  Undiscovered PIIP: That quantity of petroleum that is estimated, on 
a given date, to be contained in accumulations yet to be discovered. 
The recoverable portion of undiscovered petroleum initially in place 
is  referred  to  as  “prospective  resources”  and  the  remainder  as 
“unrecoverable”;

  Prospective  Resources:  Those  quantities  of  petroleum  estimated, 
as of a given date, to be potentially recoverable from undiscovered 
accumulations by application of future development projects; 

  Unrecoverable: That portion of Discovered and Undiscovered PIIP 
quantities which is estimated, as of a given date, not to be recover-
able by future development projects. A portion of these quantities 
may become recoverable in the future as commercial circumstances 
change or technological developments occur; the remaining portion 
may  never  be  recovered  due  to  the  physical/chemical  constraints 
represented by subsurface interaction of fluids and reservoir rocks; 
and 

  Production:  The  cumulative  quantity  of  petroleum  that  has  been 

recovered at a given date.

36  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  GLOSSARY OF TERMS

 
SEDAR: System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval.

TSX: Toronto Stock Exchange.

Uncertainty Ranges are described by COGEH as low, best, and high 

estimates for reserves and resources as follows:

  Low  Estimate:  Considered  to  be  a  conservative  estimate  of  the 
quantity that will actually be recovered. It is likely that the actual 
remaining  quantities  recovered  will  exceed  the  low  estimate.  If 
probabilistic methods are used, there should be at least a 90% 
probability (P90) that the quantities actually recovered will equal or 
exceed the low estimate;

  Best Estimate: Considered to be the best estimate of the quantity 
that  will  actually  be  recovered.  It  is  equally  likely  that  the  actual 
remaining quantities recovered will be greater or less than the best 
estimate. If probabilistic methods are used, there should be at least 
a 50% probability (P50) that the quantities actually recovered will 
equal or exceed the best estimate; and

  High  Estimate:  Considered  to  be  an  optimistic  estimate  of  the 
quantity that will actually be recovered. It is unlikely that the actual 
remaining  quantities  recovered  will  exceed  the  high  estimate.  If 
probabilistic methods are used, there should be at least a 10% 
probability (P10) that the quantities actually recovered will equal or 
exceed the high estimate.

West District: Area designated by Birchcliff as the West District on the 

map found on page 8. 

Western  Canadian  Sedimentary  Basin:  The  vast  sedimentary  basin 
underlying  Western  Canada  that  is  the  source  of  most  of  Western 
Canada’s current oil and gas production. 

Working interest: Percentage of ownership in an oil and gas property, 
obligating the owner to share in the costs of exploration, development 
and operations and granting the owner the right to share in production 
revenues after royalties are paid.

Worsley Light Oil Resource Play: Birchcliff’s Charlie Lake light oil 
resource play located near the Town of Worsley in the North District.

ABBREVIATIONS

Oil and natural gas liquids

barrel
barrels
barrels per day
thousand barrels

bbl 
bbls 
bbls/d 
Mbbls 
MMbbls  million barrels
boe 
boe/d 
Mboe 
MMboe  million barrels of oil equivalent
natural gas liquids
NGLs 
liquefied natural gas
LNG 

barrel of oil equivalent
barrel of oil equivalent per day
thousand barrels of oil equivalent

Natural gas

thousand cubic feet
million cubic feet
billion cubic feet
thousand cubic feet per day

Mcf 
MMcf 
Bcf 
Mcf/d 
MMcf/d  million cubic feet per day
cubic metres
m3 
gigajoule
GJ 

Other

AECO 

WTI 

°API 

psi 
kPa 
$000s 

benchmark natural gas price determined at the AECO ‘C’ 
hub in southeast Alberta
West Texas Intermediate crude oil, a benchmark oil price 
determined at Cushing, Oklahoma
the measure of the density or gravity of liquid petroleum 
products 
pounds per square inch
kilopascals
thousands of dollars

CONVERSIONS

The  following  table  sets  forth  certain  conversions  between  Standard 
Imperial Units and the International System of Units (metric units):

From 

Mcf 
Mcf 
cubic metres 
bbls 
feet 
miles 
acres 
sections 
sections 
kPa  

CONVENTIONS

To 

cubic metres 
GJ 
cubic feet 
cubic metres 
metres 
kilometres 
hectares 
acres 
hectares 
psi 

Multiply By

28.174
1.055
35.494
0.159
0.305
1.609
0.405
640
256
0.145

Unless otherwise indicated, references herein to “$” or “dollars” are to 
Canadian dollars. All financial information herein has been presented 
in Canadian dollars in accordance with IFRS.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  37

 
Advisories:

Non-GAAP  measures:  This  Annual  Report  uses  “cash  flow”  and  “netback”,  which  do  not  have  standardized  meanings 
prescribed by GAAP and therefore may not be comparable to measure by other companies where similar terminology is used.

Boe conversions: Boe amounts have been calculated by using the conversion ratio of six thousand cubic feet (6 Mcf) of natural 
gas to one barrel of oil (1 bbl). Boe amounts may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A boe conversion ratio 
of 6 Mcf to 1 bbl is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not 
represent a value equivalency at the wellhead.

Mcfe,  Tcfe  or  Bcfe  conversions:  Millions  of  cubic  feet  of  gas  equivalent  (“Mcfe”),  trillions  of  cubic  feet  of  gas  equivalent 
(“Tcfe”) and billions of cubic feet of gas equivalent (“Bcfe”) amounts have been calculated by using the conversion ratio of 
six thousand cubic feet (6 Mcf) of natural gas to one barrel of oil (1 bbl). Mcfe, Tcfe, Bcfe may be misleading, particularly if 
used in isolation. A Mcfe, Tcfe or Bcfe conversion ratio of 6 Mcf to 1 bbl is based on an energy equivalency conversion method 
primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead.

Finding and development costs: With respect to disclosure of finding and development costs disclosed in this Annual Report:

a)  The amounts of finding and development and/or acquisition costs contained in the table and disclosure for each of the 
years 2009, 2010 and 2011 are calculated by dividing the total of the net amount of the particular costs noted in each 
line incurred during such year by the amounts of additions to proved reserves and proved plus probable reserves during 
such year that resulted from the expenditure of such costs.

b)  In calculating the amounts of finding and development and/or acquisition costs for a year, the changes during the year 
in estimated future development costs and in estimated reserves are based upon the evaluations of Birchcliff’s reserves 
prepared by AJM Deloitte, or their predecessor, effective December 31 of such year.

c)  National Instrument 51-101 requires the inclusion of the following warning statement: The aggregate of the exploration 
and development costs incurred in the most recent financial year and any change during that year in estimated future 
development costs generally will not reflect total finding and development costs related to reserves additions for that year.

Reserves for a portion of properties: Reserves disclosure contained in this Annual Report relates to a portion of the Corporation’s 
properties. Accordingly, the estimates of reserves for individual properties may not reflect the same confidence level as 
estimates of reserves for all properties due to the effects of aggregation.

Discovered  resources:  With  respect  to  the  discovered  resources  (including  contingent  resources)  described  in  this  Annual 
Report, there is no certainty that it will be commercially viable to produce any portion of the resources.

Undiscovered resources: With respect to the undiscovered resources described in this Annual Report (including prospective 
resources), there is no certainty that any portion of the resources will be discovered. If discovered, there is no certainty that it 
will be commercially viable to produce any portion of the resources

Forward  looking  information:  This  Annual  Report  contains  forward-looking  information  within  the  meaning  of  applicable 
Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information relates to future events or future performance and is based upon the 
Corporation’s current internal expectations, estimates, projections, assumptions and beliefs. 

All information other than historical fact is forward-looking information. Information relating to “reserves” or “resources” 
contained, among other places, in the “Statement of Reserves Data and Other Oil and Gas Information”, which is incorporated 
by reference into this Annual Report, is forward-looking as it involves the implied assessment, based on certain estimates 
and assumptions, that the reserves or resources exist in the quantities estimated and that they will be commercially viable to 
produce in the future. Words such as “plan”, “expect”, “project”, “intend”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “may”, “will”, 
“potential”, “proposed” and other similar words that convey certain events or conditions “may” or “will” occur are intended to 
identify forward-looking information. In particular, this Annual Report contains forward-looking information, including among 
other places, under the headings “Description of the Business”, “Reserves Data and Other Information” and “Risk Factors”. 
This forward-looking information includes but is not limited to statements regarding: the Corporations’ intention to expand 
processing facilities and drill and complete future wells; estimates of recoverable reserves and resource volumes; planned 
production increases; planned 2012 capital spending and sources of funding; expected results from the Corporation’s portfolio 
of oil and gas assets; the quantity and development of oil and gas reserves and resources; future net cash flows and discounted 
cash flows; expected operating, general administrative, services, environmental compliance costs and expenses; royalty rates 
and incentives; and treatment under tax laws. 

38  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  ADVISORIES

 
The forward-looking information is based upon assumptions as to future commodity prices, currency exchange rates, inflation 
rates, well production rates, well drainage areas, success rates for future drilling and availability of labour and services. With 
respect to estimates of reserves and resource volumes, a key assumption is the validity of the data used by AJM Deloitte in 
their independent reserves and resource evaluations. With respect to estimates of numbers of future wells to be drilled a key 
assumption is that geological and other technical interpretations performed by the Corporation’s technical staff, which indicate 
that commercially economic reserves can be recovered from the Corporation’s lands as a result of drilling such future wells, 
are valid.

Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions 
or expectations upon which they are based will occur. Although the Corporation believes that the expectations reflected in the 
forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. As a 
consequence, actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. 

Forward-looking information necessarily involves both known and unknown risks associated with oil and gas exploration, 
production, transportation and marketing such as uncertainty of geological and technical data, imprecision of reserves 
estimates,  operational  risks,  environmental  risks,  loss  of  market  demand,  general  economic  conditions  affecting  ability 
to access sufficient capital, changes in governmental regulation of the oil and gas industry and competition from others for 
scarce resources. 

The foregoing list of risk factors is not exhaustive. Additional information on these and other risk factors that could affect 
operations or financial results are included in the Annual Information Form and in other reports filed with Canadian securities 
regulatory authorities. Forward-looking information is based on estimates and opinions of management at the time the 
information is presented. The Corporation is not under any duty to update the forward-looking information after the date of this 
Annual Report to conform such information to actual results or to changes in the Corporation’s plans or expectations, except 
as otherwise required by applicable securities laws.

(cid:8748)  Inside our state of the 

art, near-zero emissions 
PCS Gas Plant.

ADVISORIES  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  39

 
\\ Financial information

40  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 
Management’s discussion and analysis:

Birchcliff Energy Ltd. (“Birchcliff” or the “Corporation”) is an intermediate oil and gas exploration, development and production 
company based in Calgary, Alberta. Additional information relating to the Corporation, including its Annual Information Form, is 
available on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com. Birchcliff’s common shares are listed for trading on the Toronto Stock 
Exchange (“TSX”) under the symbol “BIR” and are included in the S&P/TSX Composite Index.

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) is dated March 14, 2012. The annual financial information with 
respect to the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2011 (the “Reporting Periods”) as compared to the three and twelve 
months ended December 31, 2010 (the “Comparable Prior Periods”) and this MD&A have been prepared by management and 
approved by the Corporation’s Audit Committee and Board of Directors. This MD&A should be read in conjunction with the audited 
financial statements of the Corporation and related notes for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010. All financial informa-
tion is expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise stated.

SELECTED ANNUAL INFORMATION

Year ended Dec. 31,  

$000’s, except for production and share information

Average daily production (boe at 6 Mcf:1 bbl) 
Petroleum and natural gas revenue  
Total revenue, net royalties 

Cash flow(2)(3)  
  Per share – basic ($)(2)(3) 
  Per share – diluted ($)(2)(3) 

Net income (loss)(2)  
  Per share – basic ($)(2) 
  Per share – diluted ($)(2) 

Capital expenditures, net(2) 
Total assets(2)  
Working capital deficit  
Non-revolving term credit facilities 
Revolving credit facilities  
Total debt  
Shareholders’ equity(2)  

Common shares outstanding 
  End of period – basic 
  End of period – diluted 
  Weighted average shares for period – basic 
  Weighted average shares for period – diluted(2) 

2011 

2010 

2009(1)

18,136 
264,587 
235,198 

130,826 
1.04 
1.00 

34,454 
0.27 
0.26 

237,480 
1,225,497 
48,598 
68,925 
319,500 
437,023 
656,602 

13,079 
189,978 
173,045 

95,241 
0.76 
0.74 

34,163 
0.27 
0.27 

214,924 
1,038,555 
3,956 
– 
333,468 
337,424 
599,140 

11,216
150,669
135,327

67,476
0.57
0.56

(24,252)
(0.21)
(0.21)

101,690
837,108
20,291
–
201,230
221,521
554,561

126,745,577 
140,152,250 
126,282,910 
131,444,878 

125,129,234 
137,316,486 
124,629,761 
128,520,068 

123,815,002
134,464,987
117,993,314
117,993,314

1)  Birchcliff’s transition to International Financial Reporting Standards was effective January 1, 2010 and therefore 2009 comparative information was not restated 

to comply with those Standards.

2)  2010 amounts restated to comply with the requirements of International Financial Reporting Standards.

3)  Cash flow and cash flow per share amounts represent cash provided by operating activities as per the Statement of Cash Flows before the effects of changes in 

non-cash working capital and decommissioning expenditures related to operating activities.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  41

 
 
 
Management’s discussion and analysis:

ADOPTION OF INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS

Birchcliff’s annual audited financial statements and the financial data included in this MD&A have been prepared in accordance 
with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) 
and interpretations of the International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee that are effective as at December 31, 2011, 
the date of the Corporation’s first annual reporting under IFRS. The adoption of IFRS does not impact the underlying economics of 
Birchcliff’s operations. Previously, the Corporation prepared its annual financial statements in accordance with Canadian Generally 
Accepted Accounting Principles (“Canadian GAAP”).

The IFRS accounting policies set forth in Note 3 of the audited financial statements have been applied in preparing the financial 
statements as at and for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 and an opening Statement of Financial Position as at 
January 1, 2010. Note 22 to the audited financial statements contains a detailed description of the Corporation’s adoption of IFRS, 
including a reconciliation of the 2010 comparative financial statements previously prepared under Canadian GAAP to those under 
IFRS. The most significant impacts of the adoption of IFRS, together with details of IFRS 1 First-time Adoption of IFRS exemptions 
taken, are described in the “Transition to International Financial Reporting Standards” section of this MD&A.

Comparable Prior Periods in this MD&A has been restated to comply with IFRS requirements.

2011 OVERALL PERFORMANCE 

Production:

Production in the fourth quarter of 2011 averaged 19,812 boe per day. This is a 21% increase from the 16,375 boe per day the 
Corporation averaged in the fourth quarter of 2010. Production in 2011 averaged 18,136 boe per day, a 39% increase from the 
13,079 boe per day the Corporation averaged in 2010. These increases were achieved through the success of Birchcliff’s capital 
drilling program and the commencement of operation of Phases I and II of Birchcliff’s 100% owned and operated Pouce Coupe 
South Natural Gas Plant (“PCS Gas Plant”), in March and November of 2010, respectively.

Production consisted of approximately 76% natural gas and 24% crude oil and natural gas liquids in the fourth quarter of 2011 
(75% natural gas and 25% crude oil and natural gas liquids in the fourth quarter of 2010).

Commodity prices:

Oil sales prices at the wellhead averaged $92.00 per barrel in 2011, a 17% increase from the $78.76 per barrel in 2010. Natural 
gas sales prices at the wellhead averaged $3.85 per Mcf in 2011, a 9% decrease from the $4.21 per Mcf the Corporation averaged 
in 2010. The prices received for Birchcliff’s petroleum and natural gas sales are impacted by world events that dictate the level 
of supply and demand for petroleum and natural gas. Birchcliff currently does not have any commodity contracts in place and is 
therefore subject to fluctuations in commodity prices.

Canadian Edmonton Par oil prices averaged $95.03 per barrel in 2011 as compared to $77.50 per barrel in 2010. The AECO 
daily natural gas spot price averaged $3.63 per Mcf in 2011 as compared to $4.01 per Mcf in 2010.

PCS Gas Plant operating netback:

AECO natural gas spot price averaged $3.63 per Mcf during 2011 and Birchcliff received $3.98 per Mcfe, a premium to the AECO 
natural gas spot price due to the heat value of its natural gas and the value of the recovered liquids. As a result, the estimated 
operating netback for Birchcliff’s Montney/Doig natural gas wells producing to the PCS Gas Plant was approximately $3.24 per 
Mcfe ($19.46 per boe) during 2011.

42  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

 
PRODUCTION TO PCS GAS PLANT
Average daily production, net to Birchcliff:
  Natural gas – thousands of cubic feet 
  NGLs – barrels 

  Total – barrels of oil equivalent (6:1) 

NETBACK AND COST 
  Petroleum and natural gas revenue 
  Royalty expense 
  Operating expense, net of recoveries 
  Transportation and marketing expense 

Estimated operating netback(3) 

2011(1)

40,334
96

6,818

$/boe
23.88
(1.55)
(1.28)
(1.59)

19.46

$/Mcfe 
3.98(2) 
(0.26) 
(0.21) 
(0.27) 

3.24 

1)  Phases I and II of the PCS Gas Plant commenced operations in March and November 2010, respectively, and therefore the 2010 data is not comparable.

2)  Premium price resulting from the heat value of natural gas being processed at the PCS Gas Plant and the value of the recovered liquids. AECO natural gas spot 

averaged $3.63 per Mcf during 2011.

3)  The estimated operating netback is based upon certain cost allocations and accruals directly related to Phases I and II of the PCS Gas Plant and related wells and 

infrastructure, and are disclosed on a production month basis.

Cash flow and earnings:

The following schedule sets out the reconciliation of cash provided by operating activities to cash flow:

$000’s

Cash provided by operating activities 
Adjustments: 
  Decommissioning expenditures  
  Changes in non-cash working capital 

Cash flow(1) 
Per share – basic ($) 
Per share – diluted ($)  

Three  
months ended 
Dec. 31, 2011 

Three 
months ended 
Dec. 31, 2010 

Twelve 
months ended 
Dec. 31, 2011 

Twelve 
months ended 
Dec. 31, 2010

49,083 

32,640 

142,897 

95,768

349 
(19,032) 

30,400 
0.24 
0.23 

571 
(5,346) 

27,865 
0.22 
0.22 

1,057 
(13,128) 

130,826 
1.04 
1.00 

902
(1,429)

95,241
0.76
0.74

1)  Management uses cash flow to analyze operating performance. Cash flow as presented does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and therefore 
it may not be comparable with the calculations of similar measures for other issuers. Cash flow as presented is not intended to represent cash flow from operating 
activities, net income or other measures of financial performance calculated in accordance with IFRS. All references to cash flow throughout this report are based 
on cash flow from operating activities as per the Statement of Cash Flows and removing the adjustments for non-cash working capital and decommissioning expen-
ditures. Cash flow per share is calculated based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding consistent with the calculation of net income per share.

The 9% and 37% increase in aggregate cash flow from the Comparable Prior Periods was largely due to increased average daily 
production and higher average oil prices realized at the wellhead, offset partially by reduced natural gas wellhead prices, increased 
cash general and administrative expenses, higher interest expenses and a proportionate increase in aggregate royalty, operating 
and transportation and marketing costs due to higher average production in the Reporting Periods as compared to the Comparable 
Prior Periods.

Despite low natural gas prices, Birchcliff has reported net income in each of its nine recently completed quarters. Excluding the 
gain on sale of assets and its tax effect, Birchcliff recorded net income of $32.9 million in 2011 as compared to $22.5 million in 
2010. The increase in net income from 2010 was mainly attributable to higher cash flow as discussed above, offset by an increase 
in depletion expense resulting from higher average daily production in the current year.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  43

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management’s discussion and analysis:

Capital expenditures:

Total capital expenditures (excluding minor acquisitions and dispositions) in 2011 were $240.4 million as compared to $230.4 
million in 2010. Of the $240.4 million, approximately $91.9 million (38%) was related to the drilling and completion of Montney/
Doig horizontal natural gas wells to keep Phases I and II of the PCS Gas Plant operating at full capacity and approximately $14.4 
million (6%) related to the initial construction of the Phase III expansion of the PCS Gas Plant. The remaining $134.1 million in 
capital was spent acquiring land; expanding the Montney/Doig Natural Gas Resource Play and the Worsley Light Oil Resource Play 
and related infrastructure; and on other oil and gas exploration and development projects in the Peace River Arch. Further details 
of the Corporation’s capital expenditures in 2011 are set forth in the table entitled “Capital Expenditures” in this MD&A.

Construction of Phase III of the PCS Gas Plant is on schedule to commence operation during the fourth quarter of 2012, which 
will increase processing capacity from 60 MMcf per day to 120 MMcf per day.

OUTLOOK 

Capital expenditures:

The 2012 capital spending program is focused on completing the construction of Phase III of the PCS Gas Plant, the drilling of 
Montney/Doig horizontal natural gas wells to fill Phase III, the drilling of Montney/Doig horizontal natural gas wells to keep Phases 
I and II of the PCS Gas Plant operating at full capacity, continued development of the Montney/Doig Natural Gas Resource Play 
and the Worsley Light Oil Resource Play and related infrastructure, land acquisitions, sustaining capital and seed capital for new 
growth opportunities, and other projects.

Cash flow and bank debt:

Despite the low natural gas price environment, the Corporation does not foresee any liquidity issues with respect to the operation 
of its petroleum and natural gas business during 2012. Birchcliff expects to meet all future obligations as they become due.

The  Corporation  intends  to  finance  its  petroleum  and  natural  gas  business  primarily  through  cash  flow,  working  capital,  asset 
dispositions and increased bank credit. Should commodity prices deteriorate materially, Birchcliff may adjust its capital spending 
accordingly. Birchcliff is now at a size that it anticipates it will not require additional equity except to fund a significant acquisition 
or to significantly increase its capital spending beyond its cash flow. Management expects to be able to obtain debt financing, and 
should the need arise, raise additional equity sufficient to meet both its short term and long term growth requirements.

Resource plays and infrastructure:

In May 2011, the Directors of Birchcliff authorized the Phase III expansion of the PCS Gas Plant, which will increase natural gas 
processing capacity from 60 MMcf per day to 120 MMcf per day. The Phase III expansion is expected to commence operation 
during the fourth quarter of 2012. The wholly owned and operated PCS Gas Plant will continue to increase the value of the Mont-
ney/Doig Natural Gas Resource Play by increasing production growth, reducing operating costs per boe and increasing Birchcliff’s 
strategic control over the Pouce Coupe area.

Birchcliff has a very strong asset base with its two main resource plays, the Montney/Doig Natural Gas Resource Play and the 
Worsley Light Oil Resource Play. The extensive portfolio of development opportunities on these resource plays will provide low 
risk, long life future production and reserves additions that are readily available with the investment of additional capital. Birchcliff 
continues to investigate and work towards development of new resource plays in its core area, the Peace River Arch.

Birchcliff’s resource plays provide the Corporation with a long term and operationally reliable cash flow base, the level of which 
is primarily dependent on commodity prices. Commodity prices therefore affect the pace at which Birchcliff invests in its resource 
plays and the rate at which its production will grow. Birchcliff has a very long life asset base and therefore short term commodity 
prices do not affect the quality or long term value of the Corporation’s asset base.

44  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

 
MAJOR TRANSACTIONS AFFECTING FINANCIAL RESULTS 

On May 18, 2011, the Corporation’s bank syndicate approved an increase of the revolving credit facilities to an aggregate limit of 
$450 million from $375 million and extended the conversion date of those facilities from May 20, 2011 to May 18, 2012 (the 
“Revolving Credit Facilities”). The amended Revolving Credit Facilities include an increased credit limit for the extendible revolving 
term credit facility (the “Syndicated Credit Facility”) of $420 million from $345 million and an extendible revolving working capital 
facility (the “Working Capital Facility”) of $30 million.

On May 18, 2011, the Corporation’s bank syndicate approved a new $70 million non-revolving five-year term credit facility (the 
“Non-Revolving  Five-Year  Term  Facility”)  with  a  maturity  date  on  May  25,  2016.  This  facility  requires  principle  payments  of 
$350,000 per quarter commencing July 1, 2013. In May 2011, Birchcliff had drawn the full $70 million in the form of bankers’ 
acceptances under the Non-Revolving Five-Year Term Facility, the proceeds of which were used to reduce the amounts outstanding 
on the Corporation’s Revolving Credit Facilities.

On November 30, 2010, the Corporation’s bank syndicate approved an increase of the Revolving Credit Facilities to an aggregate 
limit of $375 million from $350 million.

On May 21, 2010, the Corporation’s bank syndicate approved an increase of the Revolving Credit Facilities to an aggregate limit 
of $350 million from $255 million and extended the conversion date of those facilities from May 21, 2010 to May 20, 2011. In 
conjunction with these changes, the $50 million one-year non-revolving term credit facility (the “Non-Revolving One-Year Term 
Facility”) was repaid and cancelled. The amended Revolving Credit Facilities included an increased credit limit for the Syndicated 
Credit Facility of $320 million from $235 million and an increased credit limit for the Working Capital Facility of $30 million from 
$20 million.

LIQUIDITY 

Working capital:

The  Corporation’s  working  capital  deficit  (current  assets  minus  current  liabilities)  increased  to  $48.6  million  at  December  31, 
2011 from $4.0 million at December 31, 2010. The deficit at the end of 2011 is mainly comprised of costs incurred on Phase III 
expansion of the PCS Gas Plant and on the drilling, completing, equipping and tie-in of new wells to keep Phases I and II of the 
PCS Gas Plant operating at full capacity during the fourth quarter of 2011. 

At December 31, 2011, the major components of Birchcliff’s current assets were: joint interest billings (39%) to be received from 
its partners and revenue (56%) to be received from its marketers in respect of December 2011 production that was subsequently 
received in January 2012. In contrast, current liabilities largely consisted of trade payables (71%) and accrued capital and operating 
costs (24%).

Birchcliff manages its working capital deficit using its cash flow and advances under its credit facilities. The Corporation’s working 
capital deficit does not reduce the amount available under the Corporation’s credit facilities. The Corporation did not have any 
liquidity issues with respect to the operation of its petroleum and natural gas business during the Reporting Periods.

Total debt and bank debt:

Total debt (including working capital deficit) increased to $437.0 million at December 31, 2011 from $337.4 million at December 
31, 2010. The increase in total debt from the end of 2010 was largely a result of $106.7 million in total capital expended in 2011 
in excess of cash flow during that period. The amount outstanding under Birchcliff’s bank credit facilities at December 31, 2011 
was $388.4 million (2010 – $333.5 million), which is net of $4.8 million (2010 – $5.7 million) in unamortized interest and fees. 
A significant portion of the funds drawn under the bank credit facilities in each of the Reporting Periods was to pay costs relating 
to the Phase III expansion of the PCS Gas Plant, drilling and completion of new Montney/Doig horizontal natural gas wells and to 
drilling activities on our Worsley Light Oil Resource Play.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  45

 
Management’s discussion and analysis:

The following table shows the Corporation’s total available credit:

As at Dec. 31,  

$000’s

Maximum borrowing base limit(1)(2):
  Non-Revolving Five-Year Term Facility 
  Revolving Credit Facilities 

Principal amount utilized: 
  Drawn Non-Revolving Five-Year Term Facility(3) 
  Drawn Revolving Credit Facilities(3)  
  Outstanding letters of credit(4) 

Total unused credit 

 2011 

2010

70,000 
450,000 

520,000 

–
375,000

375,000

(70,000) 
(323,221) 
(2,668) 

–

(339,176) 
(3,014)

(395,889) 

(342,190)

124,111 

32,810

1)  The Corporation’s credit facilities are subject to a semi-annual review of the borrowing base limit, which is directly impacted by the value of Birchcliff’s petroleum 

and natural gas reserves.

2)  The Corporation was compliant with all financial covenants applicable under its credit facilities as at and during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 

and continues to be compliant with such covenants at the date hereof.

3)  The drawn amounts are not reduced for unamortized costs and fees. The drawn Revolving Credit Facilities at the end of 2011 consists of approximately $19.2 
million (2010 - $5.2 million) applicable to the Working Capital Facility (including outstanding cheques) and $304 million (2010 - $334 million) applicable to the 
Syndicated Credit Facility.

4)  Letters of credit are issued to various service providers. No amounts were drawn on the letters of credit as at and during the years ended December 31, 2011 

and 2010.

Contractual obligations:

The Corporation enters into contractual obligations in the ordinary course of conducting its day-to-day business. The following table 
lists Birchcliff’s estimated material contractual obligations at December 31, 2011:

$000’s

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 
Drawn Non-Revolving Five-Year Term Facility 
Drawn Revolving Credit Facilities 
Office lease(1) 
Purchase obligations(2) 
Transportation and processing 

Total estimated contractual obligations(3) 

2012 

2013 

2014 - 2016 

Thereafter 

88,602 
– 
– 
3,187 
23,416 
16,168 

131,373 

– 
700 
– 
3,295 
– 
15,739 

19,734 

– 
69,300 
323,221 
9,885 
– 
16,998 

419,404 

–
–
–
3,018
–
–

3,018

1)  The Corporation is committed under an operating lease relating to its office premises, beginning December 1, 2007 and expiring on November 30, 2017. Birchcliff 
does not presently use all of the leased premises and has sublet approximately 24% of the excess space to an arms’ length party on a basis that recovers all of the 
rental costs for the first five years.

2)  The Corporation is committed to spend approximately $23.4 million in 2012 under various purchasing agreements relating to the construction of Phase III of the 
PCS Gas Plant which would increase total natural gas processing capacity from 60 MMcf per day to 120 MMcf per day and will be commissioned in the fourth 
quarter of 2012.

3)  Contractual commitments that are routine in nature and form part of the normal course of operations for Birchcliff are not included in the table above.

Off-balance sheet transactions:

Birchcliff was not involved in any off-balance sheet transactions that would result in a material change to its financial position, 
performance or cash flows as at or during the periods ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.

46  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OUTSTANDING SHARE DATA 

The common shares of Birchcliff are the only class of shares outstanding. Birchcliff’s common shares began trading on the TSX 
on July 21, 2005 under the symbol “BIR” and were at the same time de-listed from the TSX Venture Exchange where they were 
trading under the same symbol prior to such time. Birchcliff’s common shares are included in the S&P/TSX Composite Index. The 
following table summarizes the common shares issued in 2011 and 2010.

Balance at December 31, 2009 

Issue of common shares upon exercise of options  

Balance at December 31, 2010 

Issue of common shares upon exercise of options 

Balance at December 31, 2011 

Common Shares

123,815,002
1,314,232

125,129,234
1,616,343

126,745,577

At  March  14,  2012,  there  were  outstanding  126,745,577  common  shares,  stock  options  to  purchase  10,466,941  common 
shares and 2,939,732 performance warrants to purchase an equivalent number of common shares.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Petroleum and natural gas revenues:

Petroleum and Natural Gas (“P&NG”) revenues totalled $70.3 million ($38.55 per boe) for the three month Reporting Period and 
$264.6 million ($39.97 per boe) for the twelve month Reporting Period as compared to $57.1 million ($37.88 per boe) and 
$190.0 million ($39.80 per boe) for the Comparable Prior Periods. The increase in aggregate and per boe P&NG revenues from 
the Comparable Prior Periods was largely a result of increased average daily production and higher average oil prices realized at the 
wellhead, notwithstanding lower average natural gas prices realized at the wellhead during the Reporting Periods. The following 
table details Birchcliff’s P&NG revenues, production and percentage of production and sales prices by category for the Reporting 
Periods and Comparable Prior Periods:

Three months ended Dec. 31, 2011 

Three months ended Dec. 31, 2010

Average 
daily 
production 

4,229 
90,116 
564 

19,812 

Total 
revenue 

$000’s 

37,160 
28,169 
4,911 

70,240 
21 

70,261 

Percent 

Average 

Total 
revenue 

Average 
daily 
production 

Percent 

Average

% 

21 
76 
3 

100 

$/unit 

$000’s 

95.52 
3.40 
94.67 

38.54 
0.01 

38.55 

26,263 
26,806 
3,916 

56,985 
87 

57,072 

3,486 
73,978 
559 

16,375 

% 

21 
75 
 4 

100 

$/unit

81.89
3.94
76.14

37.83
0.05

37.88

  Light oil (bbls) 
  Natural gas (Mcf) 
  Natural gas liquids (bbls) 

Total P&NG sales 
  Royalty revenue 

Total P&NG revenues  

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  47

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management’s discussion and analysis:

Twelve months ended Dec. 31, 2011 

Twelve months ended Dec. 31, 2010

Average 
daily 
production 

3,905 
82,116 
545 

18,136 

Total 
revenue 

$000’s 

131,118 
115,487 
17,775 

264,380 
207 

264,587 

Percent 

Average 

Total 
revenue 

Average 
daily 
production 

Percent 

Average

% 

22 
75 
3 

100 

$/unit 

$000’s 

92.00 
3.85 
89.33 

39.94 
0.03 

90,125 
87,576 
11,919 

189,620 
358 

39.97 

189,978 

3,135 
56,970 
448 

13,079 

% 

24 
73 
3 

100 

$/unit

78.76
4.21
72.82

39.72
0.08

39.80

  Light oil (bbls) 
  Natural gas (Mcf) 
  Natural gas liquids (bbls) 

Total P&NG sales  
  Royalty revenue 

Total P&NG revenues  

Commodity prices:

Birchcliff sells all of its crude oil on a spot basis and virtually all of its natural gas production for prices based on the AECO daily 
spot price. Birchcliff receives premium pricing for its natural gas due to its high heat content. The following table details the average 
sales price and differential received by Birchcliff for natural gas during the Reporting Periods and Comparable Prior Periods:

Three  
months ended 
Dec. 31, 2011 

Three 
months ended 
Dec. 31, 2010 

Twelve 
months ended 
Dec. 31, 2011 

Twelve 
months ended 
Dec. 31, 2010

Average natural gas sales price ($/Mcf) 
Average AECO daily spot price ($/MMbtu)(1) 

Positive differential 

3.40 
3.20 

0.20 

3.94 
3.64 

0.30 

3.85 
3.63 

0.22 

4.21
4.01

0.20

1)  $1.00/MMbtu = $1.00/Mcf based on a standard heat value Mcf.

The price the Corporation receives for its petroleum and natural gas production depends on a number of factors, including AECO 
Canadian dollar spot market prices for natural gas, Canadian dollar Edmonton Par oil prices, US dollar oil prices, the US-Canadian 
dollar exchange rate and transportation and product quality differentials. Birchcliff had no financial derivatives such as commodity 
price risk management contracts, forward exchange rate contracts and interest rate swaps in place during the Reporting Periods 
and Comparable Prior Periods, but it actively monitors the market to determine if any are required. The Corporation has no current 
intention to enter into any such contracts at the date hereof.

Royalties: 

Birchcliff recorded a royalty expense of $7.6 million ($4.16 per boe) for the three month Reporting Period and $29.4 million 
($4.44 per boe) for the twelve month Reporting Period as compared to $4.4 million ($2.91 per boe) and $16.9 million ($3.55 
per boe) for the Comparable Prior Periods. Royalties are paid primarily to the Alberta Government and, to a lesser extent, to other 
land and mineral rights owners. The following table illustrates the Corporation’s royalty expense for the Reporting Periods and 
Comparable Prior Periods: 

Three  
months ended 
Dec. 31, 2011 

Three 
months ended 
Dec. 31, 2010 

Twelve 
months ended 
Dec. 31, 2011 

Twelve 
months ended 
Dec. 31, 2010

Oil & natural gas royalties ($000’s) 
Oil & natural gas royalties ($/boe) 
Effective royalty rate (%)(1) 

7,585 
4.16 
11% 

4,388 
2.91 
8% 

29,389 
4.44 
11% 

16,933
3.55
9%

1)  The effective royalty rate is calculated by dividing the total aggregate royalties into petroleum and natural gas sales for the period.

48  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The increase in the effective royalty rates from the Comparable Prior Periods was due to a combination of lower royalty credits 
against natural gas royalties payable and higher average oil prices in the current year and the effect these higher prices have on the 
sliding scale royalty calculation. The reduction in the royalty credits was due to lower natural gas prices realized at the wellhead. 
Lower natural gas prices reduced the Crown facility effective royalty rates that are used to determine the Gas Cost Allowance credits 
in the Reporting Periods.

There have been no significant changes to Alberta’s royalty framework since 2010. Refer to the 2010 annual MD&A for discussion 
on royalty and drilling incentives proposed by the Alberta Government in 2009 and 2010.

Operating costs:

Operating costs were $12.6 million ($6.90 per boe) for the three month Reporting Period and $44.7 million ($6.75 per boe) 
for the twelve month Reporting Period as compared to $10.3 million ($6.84 per boe) and $36.3 million ($7.59 per boe) for the 
Comparable Prior Periods. The following table compares operating costs for the Reporting Periods and Comparable Prior Periods:

  Field operating costs 
  Recoveries 

Field operating costs, net  
  Expensed workovers and other 

Total operating costs 

  Field operating costs 
  Recoveries 

Field operating costs, net  
  Expensed workovers and other 

Total operating costs 

Three months ended Dec. 31, 2011 

Three months ended Dec. 31, 2010

$000’s 

14,365 
(1,956) 

12,409 
163 

12,572 

$/boe 

7.88 
(1.07) 

6.81 
0.09 

6.90 

$000’s 

12,084 
(2,123) 

9,961 
348 

10,309 

$/boe

8.02
(1.41)

6.61
0.23

6.84

Twelve months ended Dec. 31, 2011 

Twelve months ended Dec. 31, 2010

$000’s 

51,689 
(7,509) 

44,180 
526 

44,706 

$/boe 

7.81 
(1.13) 

6.68 
0.07 

6.75 

$000’s 

41,212 
(6,105) 

35,107 
1,148 

36,255 

$/boe

8.63
(1.28)

7.35
0.24

7.59

Total operating costs per boe decreased by 11% from the twelve month Comparable Prior Period largely due to the cost benefits 
achieved from processing natural gas to Phases I and II of the PCS Gas Plant, which commenced operations in March 2010 and 
November 2010, respectively. Per unit recoveries decreased from the twelve month Comparable Prior Period mainly due to a 44% 
increase in average daily natural gas production in the twelve month Reporting Period. Birchcliff continues to focus on controlling 
and reducing operating costs on a per boe basis.

Transportation and marketing expenses:

Transportation and marketing expenses were $4.8 million ($2.66 per boe) for the three month Reporting Period and $17.5 million 
($2.64 per boe) for the twelve month Reporting Period as compared to $3.9 million ($2.56 per boe) and $12.4 million ($2.59 per 
boe) for the Comparable Prior Periods. These aggregate costs consist primarily of transportation expenses that were higher in the 
Reporting Periods mainly due to an increase in production volumes of both oil and natural gas and trucking oil further distances 
during the Reporting Periods.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  49

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management’s discussion and analysis:

Administrative expenses:

Net administrative expenses were $13.4 million ($7.36 per boe) for the three month Reporting Period and $34.1 million ($5.16 
per boe) for the twelve month Reporting Period as compared to $8.0 million ($5.32 per boe) and $23.5 million ($4.92 per boe) 
for the Comparable Prior Periods. The components of  administrative  expenses for  the Reporting Periods and Comparable  Prior 
Periods are as follows: 

Three months ended Dec. 31, 2011 

Three months ended Dec. 31, 2010

Cash:
  Salaries and benefits(1) 
  Other(2) 

  Operating overhead recoveries 
  Capitalized overhead(3) 

General & administrative, net 

General & administrative, net per boe 

Non-cash:
  Stock-based compensation  
  Capitalized stock-based compensation(3)  

Stock-based compensation, net 

Stock-based compensation, net per boe 

Total administrative expenses, net 

Total administrative expenses, net per boe 

Cash:
  Salaries and benefits(1) 
  Other(2) 

  Operating overhead recoveries 
  Capitalized overhead(3) 

General & administrative, net 

General & administrative, net per boe 

Non-cash: 
  Stock-based compensation  
  Capitalized stock-based compensation(3)  

Stock-based compensation, net 

Stock-based compensation, net per boe 

Total administrative expenses, net 

Total administrative expenses, net per boe 

$000’s 

11,398 
2,346 

13,744 
(232) 
(2,793) 

10,719 

$5.88 

3,921 
(1,218) 

2,703 

$1.48 

13,422 

$7.36 

% 

83 
17 

100 
(2) 
(20) 

78 

100 
(31) 

69 

$000’s 

6,414 
2,027 

8,441 
(310) 
(1,389) 

6,742 

$4.47 

2,727 
(1,442) 

1,285 

$0.85 

8,027 

$5.32 

%

76
24

100
(4)
(16)

80

100
(53)

47

Twelve months ended Dec. 31, 2011 

Twelve months ended Dec. 31, 2010

$000’s 

21,150 
10,650 

31,800 
(1,029)  
(6,087) 

24,684 

$3.74 

14,007 
(4,597) 

9,410 

$1.42 

34,094 

$5.16 

% 

67 
33 

100 
(3) 
(19) 

78 

100 
(33) 

67 

$000’s 

14,319 
8,002 

22,321 
(1,254) 
(5,330) 

15,737 

$3.30 

13,291 
(5,534) 

7,757 

$1.62 

23,494 

$4.92 

%

64
36

100
(6)
(24)

70

100
(42)

58

1)  Includes salaries, benefits and bonuses paid to all Directors, Officers, and employees of the Corporation.

2)  Includes costs such as rent, legal, tax, insurance, minor computer hardware and software and other business expenses incurred by the Corporation.

3)  Includes a portion of salaries and benefits and stock-based compensation directly attributed to the exploration and development activities which have been capitalized.

50  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net administrative expenses increased on an aggregate basis from the Comparable Prior Periods largely as a result of the increased 
company growth year over year and the accrual of a portion ($2.4 million) of retention payments that will be made in 2012 in 
respect of the corporate sale process being undertaken by the Corporation. 

A summary of the Corporation’s outstanding stock options is presented below:

Outstanding, December 31, 2009 
  Granted 
  Exercised 
  Forfeited 

Outstanding, December 31, 2010 
  Granted 
  Exercised 
  Forfeited 

Outstanding, December 31, 2011 

Number 

Weighted average 
exercise price

7,710,253 
3,350,300 
(1,314,232) 
(498,801) 

9,247,520 
3,164,900 
(1,616,343) 
(329,136) 

10,466,941 

$

5.81
9.61
(4.63)
(7.41)

7.26
11.53
(5.57)
(9.81)

8.73

On January 14, 2005, the Corporation issued 4,049,665 performance warrants with an exercise price of $3.00 and an expiration 
date  of  January  31,  2010  to  members  of  its  executive  team.  On  May  28,  2009,  the  outstanding  performance  warrants  were 
amended following receipt of shareholder approval to extend the expiration date from January 31, 2010 to January 31, 2015. 
There remained 2,939,732 performance warrants outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2011. 

Each stock option and performance warrant entitles the holder to purchase one common share at the exercise price.

Depletion and depreciation expenses:

Depletion and Depreciation (“D&D”) expenses were $21.9 million ($11.97 per boe) for the three month Reporting Period and 
$71.7 million ($10.84 per boe) for the twelve month Reporting Period as compared to $16.2 million ($10.73 per boe) and $51.5 
million ($10.79 per boe) for the Comparable Prior Periods. D&D expenses increased on an aggregate basis mainly due to a 21% 
and 39% increase in average daily production from the three and twelve month Comparable Prior Periods, respectively. 

D&D is a function of the estimated proved plus probable reserve additions, the finding and development costs attributable to those 
reserves, the associated future development capital required to recover those reserves and production in the period. Included in 
the D&D calculation for 2011 was 275.4 MMboe of proved plus probable reserves and $1.9 billion in future development capital 
required to recover those reserves. The Corporation determines its D&D expenses on an area basis.

Impairment test:

The Corporation performed an impairment test of its petroleum and natural gas assets on a cash-generating unit basis to assess for 
recoverability. The Corporation’s assets were not impaired at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.

Finance expenses:

Finance expenses were $4.8 million ($2.61 per boe) for the three month Reporting Period and $20.1 million ($3.04 per boe) 
for the twelve month Reporting Period as compared to $4.5 million ($3.02 per boe) and $16.5 million ($3.46 per boe) for the 
Comparable Prior Periods. The components of the Corporation’s finance expenses for the Reporting Periods and Comparable Prior 
Periods are as follows:

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  51

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management’s discussion and analysis:

Cash:

Interest on credit facilities(1) 

Non-cash:
  Accretion on decommissioning obligations  
  Amortization of deferred financing fees  

Total finance expenses 

Cash:

Interest on credit facilities(1) 

Non-cash:
  Accretion on decommissioning obligations  
  Amortization of deferred financing fees  

Total finance expenses 

Three months ended Dec. 31, 2011 

Three months ended Dec. 31, 2010

$000’s 

$/boe 

$000’s 

$/boe

4,143 

421 
198 

4,762 

2.27 

0.23 
0.11 

2.61 

3,914 

370 
254 

4,538 

2.60

0.25
0.17

3.02

Twelve months ended Dec. 31, 2011 

Twelve months ended Dec. 31, 2010

$000’s 

$/boe 

$000’s 

$/boe

17,505 

2.64 

13,453 

1,747 
889 

20,141 

0.27 
0.13 

3.04 

1,414 
1,646 

16,513 

2.82

0.30
0.34

3.46

1)  Interest costs for the three months ended December 31, 2011 consists of $3.2 million (2010 - $3.9 million) related to the Corporation’s Revolving Credit Facilities 
and $0.9 million (2010 - $NIL million) related to non-revolving term credit facilities. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2011, the Corporation’s interest 
costs include $15.4 million (2010 - $12.8 million) related to the Revolving Credit Facilities and $2.1 million (2010 - $0.7 million) related to non-revolving term 
credit facilities.

The  aggregate  interest  expense  from  the  Comparable  Prior  Periods  increased  mainly  due  to  a  higher  average  balance  on  the 
outstanding bank credit facilities. The Corporation’s average outstanding total credit facilities balance was approximately $370 
million and $347 million in the three and twelve month Reporting Periods as compared to $307 million and $249 million in the 
Comparable Prior Periods, calculated as the simple average of the month end amounts. These increases were largely due to the 
significant capital expended on the PCS Gas Plant project.

The effective interest rate applicable to the Working Capital Facility was 5.0% at the end of 2011 as compared to 5.8% at the end 
of 2010. The effective interest rates applicable to the bankers’ acceptances issued under the revolving Syndicated Credit Facility 
were 4.8% and 5.3% for the three and twelve month Reporting Periods as compared to 5.2% and 4.8% for the Comparable Prior 
Periods. The effective interest rates applicable to the bankers’ acceptances issued under the non-revolving term credit facilities 
was 4.9% and 5.0% for the three and twelve month Reporting Periods as compared to 5.6% for the Comparable Prior Periods.

Gain on sale of assets:

During 2011, Birchcliff disposed of minor non-core assets for proceeds of $8.9 million and recorded a net gain of approximately 
$2.1 million ($1.6 million, net of tax) or $0.32 per boe in that period. In 2010, Birchcliff disposed of its interest in a minor non-
producing asset in the Kakut area of Alberta for $17.5 million and recognized a gain of approximately $15.5 million ($11.6 million, 
net of tax) or $3.25 per boe during that period.

Income taxes:

Birchcliff recorded a deferred income tax expense of approximately $1.9 million ($1.06 per boe) and $14.7 million ($2.22 per 
boe) for the three and twelve month Reporting Periods as compared to $2.4 million ($1.57 per boe) and $14.3 million ($2.99 
per boe) for the Comparable Prior Periods. The increase in deferred income tax expenses from the twelve month Comparable Prior 
Period was due to slightly higher recorded net income mainly as a result of higher average oil prices and increased production, 
offset by higher D&D expenses and decreased gains on divestitures in the current year.

52  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Corporation’s 2006 and 2007 income tax filings have been reassessed by the Canada Revenue Agency (“CRA”). The reassess-
ments are based on the CRA’s determination that the tax pools available to Veracel Inc. (“Veracel”), prior to the amalgamation, 
ceased to be available to Birchcliff after the amalgamation. The tax pools under review total $39.3 million. The reassessments have 
been objected to. The resolution of the disputed assessments may impact deferred income tax expense but will not impact cash 
taxes payable by the Corporation. Management believes that it will be successful in defending its tax position respecting the Veracel 
transaction, and as such, the Corporation has not recognized a related provision for deferred income tax liability at the end of 2011.

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Capital expenditures:

The following table sets forth a summary of the Corporation’s capital expenditures incurred for the Reporting Periods and Compa-
rable Prior Periods:

Three months ended Dec. 31,  

$000’s

  Land 
  Seismic 
  Workovers  
  Drilling and completions 
  Well equipment and facilities 

Total finding and development costs (F&D) 
  Acquisitions (dispositions) 

Total, development and acquisition costs (FD&A) 
  Administrative assets 

Total capital expenditures 

Twelve months ended Dec. 31,  

$000’s

  Land 
  Seismic 
  Workovers  
  Drilling and completions(1) 
  Well equipment and facilities 

Total finding and development costs (F&D) 
  Acquisitions (dispositions)(2) 

Total finding, development and acquisition costs (FD&A) 
  Administrative assets 

Total capital expenditures 

2011 

2010

816 
342 
3,798 
50,753 
25,225 

80,934 
– 

80,934 
89 

81,023 

1,312
1,374
2,245
24,325
15,666

44,922
–

44,922
808

45,730

2011 

2010

13,045 
3,367 
13,782 
151,058 
58,135 

239,387 
(2,880) 

236,507 
973 

237,480 

19,050
2,495
9,622
124,889
72,791

228,847
(15,460)

213,387
1,537

214,924

1)  Included in drilling and completions during 2011 was a recovery of $3.5 million (2010 - $9.9 million) related to the Alberta Drilling Royalty Credit Program.

2)  During 2011, Birchcliff disposed of minor non-core assets for $8.9 million which resulted in a net gain on sale of approximately $2.1 million. In 2010, the Corporation 

disposed of a minor non-producing asset for $17.5 million which resulted in a gain of approximately $15.5 million. 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  53

 
Management’s discussion and analysis:

Capital resources:

The following table sets forth a summary of the Corporation’s capital resources for the Reporting Periods and Comparable Prior 
Periods:

Three months ended Dec. 31,  

$000’s

Cash flow 
Changes in non-cash working capital from operations 
Decommissioning expenditures 
Exercise of stock options 
Increase in amounts drawn under non-revolving term credit facilities 
Increase in amounts drawn under Revolving Credit Facilities 
Changes in non-cash working capital from investing 

Total capital resources 

Twelve months ended Dec. 31,  

$000’s

Cash flow 
Changes in non-cash working capital from operations 
Decommissioning expenditures 
Exercise of stock options 
Deferred financing fees paid 
Increase in amounts drawn under non-revolving term credit facilities 
Increase (decrease) in amounts drawn under Revolving Credit Facilities 
Changes in non-cash working capital from investing 

Total capital resources 

2011 

2010

30,400 
19,032 
(349) 
444 
78 
28,841 
2,577 

81,023 

27,865
5,346
(571)
1,186
-
52,042
(35,415)

50,453

2011 

2010

130,826 
13,128 
(1,057) 
9,001 
(1,356) 
69,537 
(14,114) 
26,717 

232,682 

95,241
1,429
(902)
6,083
(1,268)
-
132,105
(13,041)

219,647

54  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

 
SUMMARY OF QUARTERLY RESULTS

The following are the quarterly results of the Corporation for the eight most recently completed quarters:

Quarters ended 

$000’s, except for production and share information

Petroleum and natural gas production (boe per day) 
Petroleum and natural gas commodity  
  price at wellhead ($ per boe) 
Natural gas commodity price at wellhead ($ per Mcf) 
Petroleum commodity price at wellhead ($ per bbl) 
Total petroleum and natural gas revenue 
Total royalties 
Total revenues, net 
Total capital expenditures, net 

Net income 
  Per share basic 
  Per share diluted 
Cash flow 
  Per share basic 
  Per share diluted 

Dec. 31,  
2011 

Sep. 30,  
2011 

Jun. 30,  
2011 

Mar. 31,  
2011

19,812 

17,648 

17,324 

17,742

38.54 
3.40 
95.52 
70,261 
(7,585) 
62,676 
81,023 

3,333 
0.03 
0.03 
30,400 
0.24 
0.23 

39.42 
3.92 
86.40 
64,069 
(6,804) 
57,265 
71,978 

11,411 
$0.09 
$0.09 
33,844 
$0.27 
$0.26 

42.76 
4.15 
99.31 
67,464 
(8,801) 
58,663 
32,300 

10,117 
$0.08 
$0.08 
34,269 
$0.27 
$0.26 

39.28
4.02
87.03
62,793
(6,199)
56,594
52,179

9,593
$0.08
$0.07
32,313
$0.26
$0.25

Book value of total assets 
Non-Revolving Five-Year Term Facility 
Revolving Credit Facilities 
Total debt 
Shareholders’ equity  
Common shares outstanding – end of period 
  basic 
  diluted 
Weighted average common shares outstanding 
  basic 
  diluted 

1,225,497 
68,925 
319,500 
437,023 
656,602 

1,138,075 
68,811 
290,495 
386,296 
648,905 

1,080,314 
68,773 
270,278 
349,190 
632,588 

1,069,322
-
335,220
352,804
616,909

126,745,577 
140,152,250 

126,679,577 
140,149,250 

126,496,677 
140,137,084 

126,127,244
139,963,084

126,731,919 
132,216,022 

126,630,446 
131,374,723 

126,322,814 
131,380,901 

125,424,658
129,715,133

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  55

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Management’s discussion and analysis:

Quarters ended 

$000’s, except for production and share information

Petroleum and natural gas production (boe per day) 
Petroleum and natural gas commodity  
  price at wellhead ($ per boe) 
Natural gas commodity price at wellhead ($ per Mcf) 
Petroleum commodity price at wellhead ($ per bbl) 
Total petroleum and natural gas revenue 
Total royalties 
Total revenues, net 
Total capital expenditures, net(1) 

Net income(1) 
  Per share basic(1) 
  Per share diluted(1) 
Cash flow(1) 
  Per share basic(1) 
  Per share diluted(1) 

Book value of total assets(1) 
Non-Revolving One-Year Term Facility 
Revolving Credit Facilities 
Total debt 
Shareholders’ equity(1)  
Common shares outstanding – end of period 
  basic 
  diluted 
Weighted average common shares outstanding 
  basic 
  diluted(1) 

1)  2010 comparatives are restated to comply with IFRS requirements.

Discussion of quarterly results:

Dec. 31,  
2010 

Sep. 30,  
2010 

Jun. 30,  
2010 

Mar. 31,  
2010

16,375 

13,109 

12,357 

10,407

37.83 
3.94 
81.89 
57,072 
(4,388) 
52,684 
45,730 

7,431 
$0.06 
$0.06 
27,865 
$0.22 
$0.22 

1,038,555 
– 
333,468 
337,424 
599,140 

36.60 
3.79 
76.44 
44,125 
(3,561) 
40,564 
92,520 

5,533 
$0.04 
$0.04 
22,750 
$0.18 
$0.18 

996,327 
- 
281,172 
319,921 
587,796 

39.45 
4.16 
76.24 
44,546 
(3,621) 
40,925 
42,270 

5,087 
$0.04 
$0.04 
23,013 
$0.18 
$0.18 

910,823 
- 
235,993 
250,370 
578,602 

47.12
5.34
80.03
44,235
(5,363)
38,872
 34,404

16,112
$0.13
$0.13
21,613
$0.17
$0.17

881,344
49,661
158,614
232,287
568,821

125,129,234 
137,316,486 

124,912,134 
137,364,386 

124,792,136 
137,255,386 

124,358,735
137,190,886

124,994,761 
128,418,091 

124,872,806 
128,338,449 

124,540,955 
127,966,923 

124,095,074
128,048,514

Birchcliff’s average production in the fourth quarter of 2011 was 19,812 boe per day, a 12% increase from 17,648 boe per day in 
the third quarter of 2011 and a 21% increase from 16,375 boe per day in the fourth quarter of 2010. The increase in production 
from the prior periods was largely achieved through the success of Birchcliff’s Montney/Doig horizontal natural gas drilling program 
and the increase in processing capacity at the PCS Gas Plant as a result of the Phase II expansion, which commenced operation 
in November 2010.

Total capital expenditures (excluding minor acquisitions and dispositions) in the fourth quarter of 2011 were $81.0 million as 
compared to $73.7 million in the third quarter of 2011 and $45.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2010. Capital spent in the fourth 
quarter of 2011 was directed towards the drilling and completion of Montney/Doig horizontal natural gas wells to keep Phases I 
and II of the PCS Gas Plant operating at full capacity; initial construction of Phase III expansion of the PCS Gas Plant to bring total 
natural gas processing capacity to 120 MMcf per day from 60 MMcf per day in the fourth quarter of 2012; acquiring land; and 
expanding the Montney/Doig Natural Gas Resource Play and the Worsley Light Oil Resource Play.

56  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flow generated by the Corporation in the fourth quarter of 2011 was $30.4 million as compared to $33.8 million in the third 
quarter of 2011 and $27.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2010. The decrease in cash flow from the previous quarter was mainly 
attributed to lower natural gas prices realized at the wellhead and higher cash G&A expenses, notwithstanding increased average 
daily production and higher oil prices at the wellhead in the three month Reporting Period. The 9% increase in cash flow as compared 
to the fourth quarter of 2010 was largely due to increased average daily production and higher average oil prices realized at the 
wellhead, notwithstanding reduced natural gas wellhead prices, increased cash G&A expenses, higher interest expenses and a 
proportionate increase in aggregate royalty, operating and transportation and marketing costs due to higher average production in 
the three month Reporting Period as compared to the Comparable Prior Period.

Excluding the gain on sale of assets and its tax effect, Birchcliff recorded net income of $3.3 million in the three month Reporting 
Period as compared to $9.1 million in the third quarter of 2011 and $7.4 million in the fourth quarter of 2010. The decrease in 
net income from the third quarter of 2011 was mainly a result of lower cash flow and higher aggregate depletion expense reported 
during the current quarter as a result of significant production growth. The decrease in net income from the fourth quarter of 2010 
was attributed to lower cash flow netback and increased aggregate depletion expense in the three month Reporting Period due to 
significant production growth.

Total debt (including working capital deficit) was $437.0 million at the end of the current quarter as compared to $386.3 million at 
September 30, 2011 and $337.4 million at December 31, 2010. This increase in total debt from these prior periods was largely 
due to the increase in capital spent on the Montney/Doig Resource Play and Worsley Light Oil Resource Play.

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

Within its focus area, the Corporation is always reviewing potential property acquisitions and corporate mergers and acquisitions 
for the purposes of determining whether any such potential transaction is of interest to the Corporation and the terms on which 
such a potential transaction would be available. As a result, the Corporation may from time to time be involved in discussions or 
negotiations with other parties or their agents in respect of potential property acquisitions and corporate merger and acquisition 
opportunities, but the Corporation is not committed to any such potential transaction and cannot be reasonably confident that it 
can complete any such potential transaction until appropriate legal documentation has been signed by the relevant parties.

The corporate sale process that was announced on October 3, 2011 is continuing. Birchcliff has not entered into an acquisition 
agreement with any party and is currently in negotiations. At this time, there can be no assurance that the ongoing negotiations 
will result in a successful transaction.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 

Disclosure controls and procedures:

The Corporation has established and maintained disclosure control and procedures (“DC&P”) that have been designed by, or under 
the supervision of, the Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer (“Certifying Officers”) to provide rea-
sonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Corporation in its annual filings, interim filings or other reports 
filed or submitted under securities legislation is accumulated and communicated to management, as appropriate, to allow timely 
decisions regarding required disclosure. The Certifying Officers have evaluated, or caused to be evaluated under their supervision, 
the effectiveness of the Corporation’s DC&P as at December 31, 2011 and have concluded that the Corporation’s DC&P are 
appropriately designed and operating effectively to provide reasonable assurance that information required by securities legislation 
to be disclosed is made known to them by others, to allow timely decisions regarding the required disclosure.

While the Certifying Officers believe that the Corporation’s DC&P provide a reasonable level of assurance and are effective, they 
do not expect that the DC&P will prevent all errors and fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived, maintained and 
operated, can provide only reasonable, but not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system will be met.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  57

 
Management’s discussion and analysis:

Internal controls over financial reporting:

The Corporation has established and maintains internal controls over financial reporting (“ICFR”) that have been designed 
using the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) “Internal Control Over Financial Reporting- Guidance for Smaller Public 
Companies”. The control framework was designed by, or under the supervision of, the Corporation’s Certifying Officers to provide 
reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes 
in accordance with the generally accepted accounting principles applicable to the Corporation and to provide reasonable assurance 
that all assets are safeguarded and transactions are appropriately authorized and recorded to facilitate the preparation of relevant, 
reliable and timely information. The Certifying Officers have evaluated, or caused to be evaluated under their supervision, 
the effectiveness of the Corporation’s ICFR at December 31, 2011 and have concluded that the Corporation’s ICFR was effective 
at December 31, 2011 for the purposes described above. No changes were made to the Corporation’s ICFR during the year ended 
December 31, 2011 that have materially affected, or are reasonable likely to materially affect the Corporation’s ICFR.

While the Certifying Officers believe that the Corporation’s ICFR provide a reasonable level of assurance and are effective, they 
do not expect that the ICFR will prevent all errors and fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived, maintained and 
operated, can provide only reasonable, but not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system will be met.

TRANSITION TO INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS 

First-time adoption of IFRS:

Birchcliff’s audited financial statements as at and for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 have been prepared in accor-
dance with IFRS as issued by the IASB. Previously, the Corporation prepared its 2010 annual financial statements in accordance 
with Canadian GAAP applicable to publically accountable enterprises. 

IFRS 1 requires the consistent and retrospective application of IFRS accounting policies as at and for the year end December 31, 
2010 and an opening Statement of Financial Position as at January 1, 2010 (the “transition date”). To assist with the transition, 
the provisions of IFRS 1 allows for certain mandatory and optional exemptions for first-time adopters to alleviate the full retrospec-
tive application of IFRS. Birchcliff has elected to apply the following relevant exemptions:

(cid:2)  IFRS 1 First-time Adoption of IFRS, whereby Property, Plant and Equipment (“PP&E”) balance as determined under the Corpo-
ration’s previous accounting framework (Canadian GAAP) is allocated to the IFRS categories of exploration and evaluation assets 
and development and production properties. Under the exemption, for assets in the development and production phases, the 
amount is allocated to the underlying IFRS transitional assets on a pro-rata basis using proved plus probable reserve volumes as 
of the IFRS transition date;

(cid:2)  IFRS 2 Share-based Payments, whereby stock options that vested prior to January 1, 2010 are not required to be retrospec-

tively restated. Therefore, IFRS 2 requirements apply only to those options that were unvested at the transition date; and

(cid:2)  IAS 37 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets, whereby the Corporation has elected to measure decommis-
sioning obligations as at the transition date in accordance with IAS 37 and recognize directly in deficit the difference between 
that amount and the carrying amount of those liabilities at the date of transition determined under Canadian GAAP.

Hindsight was not used to create or revise estimates and accordingly the estimates previously made by the Corporation under 
Canadian GAAP are consistent with their application under IFRS. A summary of the IFRS 1 mandatory and optional exemptions 
are also described in Note 22 to the annual financial statements.

Significant IFRS accounting policies:

The IFRS accounting policies are set forth in Note 3 to the annual audited financial statements. A detailed explanation of how 
the transition from Canadian GAAP to IFRS has affected the Corporation’s financial position, financial performance and cash flow, 
including the reconciliations required by IFRS 1, is presented in Note 22 to the financial statements.

58  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

 
The adoption of IFRS does not impact the underlying economics of Birchcliff’s operations. The most significant impacts of adoption 
are from the application of new accounting policies that reset the Corporation’s opening financial position at January 1, 2010, and 
changes in the accounting for PP&E, decommissioning obligations, stock-based compensation and income taxes. Birchcliff also 
adopted certain presentation policies that differ from Canadian GAAP. The following discusses the significant accounting policy and 
presentation differences under IFRS.

Depletion and depreciation expense (“D&D”)

Under Canadian GAAP, the Corporation used total proved reserves in determining D&D expenses. Under IFRS, the carrying amount 
of PP&E is depleted or amortized over the useful life of the assets. Birchcliff has determined that depleting on a total proved plus 
probable reserve basis better approximates the useful life of the Corporation’s assets. D&D was calculated at the country cost 
centre level using the unit of production method on the full cost pool of assets under Canadian GAAP. Under IFRS, the net carrying 
value of developed and producing assets is depleted using the unit of production method at the area level. As a result of these 
accounting policy differences, D&D expenses decreased by $23.1 million in 2010 from the amounts previously recorded under 
Canadian GAAP.

Gain on sale of assets

Under Canadian GAAP, proceeds from the sale of assets were deducted from the full cost pool without the recognition of a gain 
or loss unless the sale resulted in a change in the full cost depletion rate of 20 percent or more. Under IFRS, gains or losses on 
disposition of assets are measured as the difference between the proceeds and carrying value of the assets and liabilities divested. 
As a result of this accounting policy difference, Birchcliff recorded a gain on the sale of assets of $15.5 million ($11.6 million, net 
of tax) in 2010.

Impairment testing

Under Canadian GAAP, the recoverable amount of Birchcliff’s petroleum and natural gas assets under the first step of the impair-
ment test is determined using undiscounted future cash flow from proved reserves. Under IFRS, the recoverable amount is calculated 
using discounted pre-tax future cash flow from proved plus probable reserves. In addition, impairment testing under Canadian 
GAAP is performed at the country cost centre level, while under IFRS the Corporation’s assets are grouped into cash-generating 
units based on their ability to generate largely independent cash inflows. No impairment was determined under IFRS as at January 
1, 2010 and December 31, 2010.

Decommissioning obligations

Under Canadian GAAP, Birchcliff used a credit-adjusted discount rate of 8% in estimating the decommissioning obligations (formerly 
known as asset retirement obligations under Canadian GAAP). Under IFRS, the Corporation’s policy is to estimate the decommis-
sioning obligations using a pre-tax risk-free discount rate on transition to IFRS. The effect of using a risk-free discount rate of 4.0% 
resulted in an increase of $12.0 million to the decommissioning obligation with a corresponding increase to the Corporation’s 
deficit at January 1, 2010. Accretion of decommissioning obligations decreased by $0.4 million in 2010 from the amounts previously 
recorded under Canadian GAAP.

Stock-based compensation expense

Under Canadian GAAP, the fair value of stock options was calculated using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model for each option 
grant and the resulting expense was recognized on a straight line basis over the three year vesting period at a rate of one-third on 
each anniversary date of the stock option grant. Forfeitures of stock options were recognized as they occurred.

Under IFRS, each vesting tranche of an option grant with different vesting dates was considered a separate grant for the calculation 
of fair value using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. This resulted in accelerated expense recognition that attributed higher 
stock-based compensation expense in early years of an option grant and less expense in later years. Birchcliff also applied an 
estimated forfeiture rate at the initial grant date. When determining the fair value of each vesting tranche under IFRS, Birchcliff 
applied an estimated weighted average option life which reflects historical experiences. Under Canadian GAAP, the option life was 
equal to the expiry period of five years.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  59

 
Management’s discussion and analysis:

The above accounting policy differences resulted in an increase of $2.5 million to contributed surplus with a corresponding increase 
to the Corporation’s deficit at January 1, 2010. Stock-based compensation expense increased during 2010 by approximately $2.8 
million from the amounts previously recorded under Canadian GAAP.

Administrative expense

Under Canadian GAAP, “capitalized overhead” related to estimated time spent on capital projects by engineering, land, accounting 
and operations and was based on an industry standard overhead charge per Authorization for Expenditure. Stock-based compensation 
was not capitalized under Canadian GAAP. Under IFRS, capitalized overhead includes a portion of salaries and benefits that 
are “directly” attributable to the exploration and development of the Corporation’s assets. This varies in some respects from the 
amounts recorded under Canadian GAAP. In addition, under IFRS, Birchcliff has capitalized a portion of stock-based compensation 
directly attributable to exploration and development projects.

These  accounting  policy  differences  resulted  in  an  increase  to  net  general  and  administrative  expenses  (cash)  by  $5.6  million 
in 2010 from amounts previously reported under Canadian GAAP. In addition, the Corporation capitalized non-cash stock-based 
compensation totalling $5.5 million in 2010. 

Share capital

Under Canadian GAAP, the proceeds from the issuance of flow-through shares are recognized as shareholders’ equity. The tax basis 
of assets related to expenditures incurred to satisfy flow-through share obligations is reduced when the renunciation of the related 
tax pools occurs which then increases the deferred income tax liability and reduces share capital.

Under IFRS, the amount recorded to share capital from the issuance of flow-through shares reflects the fair market value of “regular” 
common shares. The difference between the total value of a flow-through share issuance and the fair market value of regular common 
share issuance (premium) is initially accrued as a deferred obligation when the flow-through shares are issued. Pursuant to the 
terms of the flow-through share agreements, the tax deductions associated with the expenditures are renounced to the subscribers. 
Accordingly, as the expenditures are incurred, a deferred tax liability is recorded equal to the estimated amount of deferred income 
taxes payable by the Corporation and the obligation on issuance of flow-through shares is reduced, and the difference is recognized 
in profit or loss. There is no impact to share capital on renunciation of flow-through shares.

The above accounting policy differences resulted in an increase to share capital of $4.3 million with a corresponding increase to 
deficit at January 1, 2010. There was no impact due to this accounting policy difference as at and during the year ended December 
31, 2010.

Deferred income tax expense

The adjustments discussed above resulted in a change in deferred income tax assets and liabilities based on Birchcliff’s effective 
tax rate. The Corporation recorded a decrease in deferred tax liabilities of $3.0 million at January 1, 2010 and an increase in 
deferred tax liabilities of $5.5 million at December 31, 2010 from amounts previously reported under Canadian GAAP. Additional 
deferred income tax expenses of $8.5 million were recorded under IFRS in 2010.

Reclassifications

Under Canadian GAAP, interest expense, amortization of deferred financial fees and accretion were disclosed as separate line items 
in profit or loss. Under IFRS, these amounts were grouped and reported as finance expenses in profit or loss. Interest paid is disclosed 
separately as an operating item in the Statement of Cash Flows.

Under Canadian GAAP, G&A expenses (cash) and non-cash stock-based compensation expenses were disclosed as separate line 
items in profit or loss. Under IFRS, these items were grouped and reported as administrative expenses in profit or loss.

60  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

 
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES 

The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the 
application of IFRS accounting policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities and income and expenses. Accordingly, actual 
results may differ from these estimates. Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to 
accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimates are revised and in any future periods affected. The following 
are critical judgments and estimations that management has made in the process of applying the Corporation’s IFRS accounting 
policies and that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognized in these financial statements:

Reserves:

Estimation of reported recoverable quantities of proved and probable reserves include judgmental assumptions regarding production 
profile, commodity prices, exchange rates, remediation costs, timing and amount of future development costs, and production, 
transportation and marketing costs for future cash flows. It also requires interpretation of geological and geophysical models in 
order to make an assessment of the size, shape, depth and quality of reservoirs, and their anticipated recoveries. The economical, 
geological and technical factors used to estimate reserves may change from period to period. Changes in reported reserves can 
impact the carrying values of the Corporation’s petroleum and natural gas properties and equipment, the calculation of depletion 
and depreciation, the provision for decommissioning obligations, and the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities due to 
changes in expected future cash flows. The recoverable quantities of reserves and estimated cash flows from Birchcliff’s petroleum 
and natural gas interests are independently evaluated by reserve engineers at least annually.

The Corporation’s petroleum and natural gas reserves represent the estimated quantities of crude oil, natural gas and natural gas 
liquids which geological, geophysical and engineering data demonstrate with a specified degree of certainty to be economically 
recoverable in future years from known reservoirs and which are considered commercially producible. Such reserves may be 
considered  commercially  producible  if  management  has  the  intention  of  developing  and  producing  them  and  such  intention  is 
based upon (i) a reasonable assessment of the future economics of such production; (ii) a reasonable expectation that there is a 
market for all or substantially all the expected oil and natural gas production; and (iii) evidence that the necessary production, 
processing  transmission  and  transportation  facilities  are  available  or  can  be  made  available.  Reserves  may  only  be  considered 
proven and probable if producibility is supported by either production or conclusive formation tests. Birchcliff’s oil and gas reserves 
are determined pursuant to National Instrument 51-101 Standard of Disclosures for Oil and Gas Activities and the Canadian Oil 
and Gas Evaluation Handbook.

Decommissioning obligations:

The Corporation estimates future remediation costs of production wells, facilities, and pipelines at different stages of development and 
construction of assets or facilities. In most instances, removal of assets occurs many years into the future. This requires judgment 
regarding abandonment date, future environmental and regulatory legislation, the extent of abandonment and reclamation activities, 
the engineering methodology for estimating cost, future removal technologies in determining the removal cost and liability-specific 
discount rates that are used to determine the present value of these cash flows.

Stock-based compensation:

All share-based awards issued by the Corporation are fair valued using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. In determining 
the share-based compensation expense for the period, estimates have to be made regarding the expected volatility in share price, 
option life, dividend yield and risk-free rate used to calculating fair value and estimating forfeitures at the initial grant date. Due to 
the time period and the number of estimates involved, it is likely that the actual fair value of the options will differ from what has 
been recorded in the financial statements.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  61

 
Management’s discussion and analysis:

Impairment of assets:

The impairment testing of PP&E is based on estimates of proved plus probable reserves, production rates, forecasted petroleum 
and natural gas prices, future costs and other relevant assumptions. Birchcliff’s assets are aggregated into cash-generating units, 
for the purpose of calculating impairment, based on their ability to generate largely independent cash inflows. By their nature, 
these estimates and assumptions are subject to measurement uncertainty and may impact the carrying value of the Corporation’s 
assets in future periods.

Income taxes:

Tax provisions are based on enacted or substantively enacted laws. Changes in those laws could affect amounts recognized in profit 
or loss both in the period of change, which would include any impact on cumulative provisions, and in future periods. All tax filings 
are subject to audit and potential reassessment. Accordingly, the actual income tax liability may differ significantly from amounts 
estimated and recorded in the financial statements.

RISK FACTORS & RISK MANAGEMENT

Commodity price risk:

Birchcliff’s liquidity and cash flows are largely impacted by petroleum and natural gas commodity prices. Birchcliff has not hedged 
any of its oil and natural gas production at the date hereof and although it does monitor the hedge market, its strategy is to continue 
to sell its oil and natural gas production at the spot market rate. If there is a significant deterioration in the price it receives for oil 
and natural gas, Birchcliff will consider reducing its capital spending or access alternate sources of capital.

Foreign currency exchange risk:

The Corporation is exposed to foreign currency fluctuations because its Canadian revenues are strongly linked to United States 
dollar denominated benchmark commodity prices. Birchcliff has not hedged any of its foreign exchange risk at the date hereof.

Production risk:

Birchcliff believes it has a stable production base from a large number of producing wells and that an adverse event affecting 
production at any single well would not cause a liquidity issue. Nonetheless, Birchcliff remains subject to the risk that production 
rates of its most significant wells may decrease in an unpredictable and uncontrollable manner, which could result in a material 
decrease in the Corporation’s overall production and associated cash flows. 

The majority of Birchcliff’s production passes through owned or third party infrastructure prior to it being ready for transfer at 
designated commodity sales points. There is a risk that should this infrastructure fail and cause a significant portion of Birchcliff’s 
production to be shut-in and unable to be sold, this could have a material adverse effect on Birchcliff’s available cash flow. The 
Corporation mitigates this risk by purchasing business interruption and property insurance policies for its significant owned infra-
structure and contingent business interruption insurance policies for its significant third party infrastructure.

Hydraulic fracturing:

Hydraulic  fracturing  involves  the  injection  of  water,  sand  and  small  amounts  of  additives  under  pressure  into  rock  formations 
to stimulate hydrocarbon (natural gas and oil) production. The use of hydraulic fracturing is necessary to produce commercial 
quantities of natural gas and oil from many reservoirs. The Corporation anticipates that federal, provincial and state regulatory 
frameworks to address concerns related to hydraulic fracturing will continue to emerge. The implementation of new regulations 
with respect to water usage of hydraulic fracturing generally could increase Birchcliff’s costs of compliance, its operating costs, and 
may negatively impact the Company’s prospects, any of which may have a material adverse effect on Birchcliff’s business, financial 
condition and results of operations. Birchcliff conducts its fracturing operations with reputable service providers, with due regard 
for potential impact on the environment and closely monitors and complies with the regulatory regime. 

62  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

 
Reserve replacement risk:

Oil and natural gas reserves naturally deplete as they are produced over time. The success of the Corporation’s business is highly 
dependent on its ability to acquire and/or discover new reserves in a cost efficient manner. Substantially all of the Corporation’s 
cash flow is derived from the sale of petroleum and natural gas reserves it accumulates and develops. In order to remain financially 
viable, the Corporation must be able to replace reserves over time at a lesser cost on a per unit basis than its cash flow on a per 
unit basis. The reserves and costs used in this determination are estimated each year based on numerous assumptions and these 
estimates and costs may vary materially from the actual reserves produced or from the costs required to produce those reserves. 
In order to mitigate this risk, the Corporation employs a competent and experienced team of petroleum and natural gas profes-
sionals and closely monitors the capital expenditures made for the purposes of increasing its petroleum and natural gas reserves. 
Historically, Birchcliff’s finding, development and acquisition costs and reserve replacement on a proved and probable basis have 
remained competitive compared to industry peers.

Health, safety & environmental risk:

Health,  safety  and  environment  risks  influence  the  workforce,  operating  costs  and  the  establishment  of  regulatory  standards. 
Birchcliff provides staff with the training and resources they need to complete work safely and effectively; incorporates hazard 
assessment and risk management as an integral part of everyday operations; monitors performance to ensure its operations comply 
with legal obligations and internal standards; and identifies and manages environmental liabilities associated with its existing asset 
base. The Corporation has a site inspection program and a corrosion risk management program designed to ensure compliance 
with environmental laws and regulations. Birchcliff carries insurance to cover a portion of property losses, liability to others and 
business interruption resulting from unusual events. 

Birchcliff is subject to the risk that the unexpected failure of its equipment used in drilling, completing or producing wells or in 
transporting production could result in the release of pollutants or contaminates at or near its facilities which could result in signifi-
cant liability to the Corporation for costs of clean up, remediation and reclamation of contaminated lands. Birchcliff conducts its 
operations with due regard for the potential impact on the environment. This includes hiring skilled personnel, providing adequate 
training to all staff involved with operations, and by retaining expert advice and assistance to deal with environmental remediation 
and reclamation work where such expertise is needed.

Regulatory risk:

Government  royalties,  income  tax  laws,  environmental  laws  and  regulatory  requirements  can  have  a  significant  financial  and 
operational impact on the Corporation. As an oil and natural gas producer, Birchcliff is subject to a broad range of regulatory 
requirements.  Birchcliff  hires  and  retains  skilled  personnel  that  are  knowledgeable  regarding  changes  to  the  regulatory  regime 
under which it operates.

All of Birchcliff’s properties are currently located within the province of Alberta. There is a risk that although the Corporation 
believes it is making an economic investment at the time all of the upfront capital is invested in facilities or drilling, completing 
and equipping an oil or natural gas well, the Government may at any point in the economic life of that project, expropriate without 
compensation a portion of the expected profit under a new royalty/tax regulation or regime with no grandfathering provisions. This 
may cause a particular project to become uneconomical once the new royalties or taxes take effect. This type of possible future 
government action is unpredictable and cannot be forecasted by the Corporation.

Counterparty risk:

Birchcliff assumes customer credit risk associated with oil and gas sales and joint venture participants. To mitigate this risk, the 
Corporation performs regular reviews of receivables to minimize default or non-payment and takes the majority of its production in 
kind. The Corporation also puts in place security arrangements with respect to amounts owed to it by others when reviews indicate 
it is appropriate to do so.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  63

 
Management’s discussion and analysis:

Access to credit markets:

Due to the nature of the Corporation’s business it is necessary from time to time for the Corporation to access other sources of capital 
beyond its internally generated cash flow in order to fund the development and acquisition of its long term asset base. As part of 
this strategy, the Corporation obtains some of the necessary capital by incurring debt and therefore the Corporation is dependent 
to a certain extent on continued availability of the credit markets.

The continued availability of the credit markets for Birchcliff is primarily dependent on the state of the economy and the health 
of the banking industry in North America and abroad. There is risk that if the global economy and banking industry experience 
unexpected and/or prolonged deterioration, then Birchcliff’s access to credit markets may contract or disappear altogether. The 
Corporation tries to mitigate this risk by dealing with reputable lenders and tries to structure its lending agreements to give it the 
most flexibility possible should these situations arise. However, the situations that may give rise to credit markets tightening or 
disappearing are beyond Birchcliff’s control.

Birchcliff is also dependent to a certain extent on continued access to equity capital markets. The Corporation is listed on the TSX 
and maintains an active investor relations program. Continued access to capital is dependent on Birchcliff’s ability to continue to 
perform at a level that meets market expectations.

Climate change risks:

Climate change policy is evolving at regional, national and international levels, and political and economic events may significantly 
affect the scope and timing of climate change measures that are ultimately put in place. As a signatory to the United Nations 
Framework Convention on Climate Change and as a participant in the Copenhagen Accord, the Government of Canada announced 
on January 29, 2010 that it will seek a 17% reduction in greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions from 2005 levels by 2020. These 
GHG emission reduction targets are not binding. The Corporation continues to monitor GHG legislative developments. Although 
it is not the case today, the Corporation expects that some of its significant facilities may ultimately be subject to future regional, 
provincial and/or federal climate change regulations to manage GHG emissions. If the Corporation becomes subject to GHG legisla-
tion, there can be no assurances that the compliance costs will be immaterial. 

The Government of Alberta enacted the Climate Change and Emissions Management Act in response to concerns regarding GHG. 
The Specified Gas Emitters Regulation that accompanies the Act came into force in 2007 and requires large industrial facility 
emitters of GHG to reduce GHG emissions intensities by 12% below a baseline derived from the average of 2003-2005 emissions. 
The Corporation is not considered a large industrial emitter under this legislation and, as such, the Corporation is not subject to the 
costs of complying with the Specified Gas Emitters Regulation.

ADVISORIES

Non-GAAP measures: 

This MD&A uses terms such as “cash flow”, “netback”, “cash flow netback”, “operating netback”, “cash flow per share”, and “cash 
flow from operations”, which do not have standardized meanings prescribed by IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to 
measure by other companies where similar terminology is used. Cash flow denotes cash flow from operating activities as it appears 
on the Corporation’s Statement of Cash Flows before decommissioning expenditures and changes in non-cash working capital. 
Netback denotes petroleum and natural gas revenue less royalties, less operating expenses and less transportation and marketing 
expenses. Cash flow netback denotes net earnings plus non-cash items including deferred incomes tax expense (less any recovery), 
depletion and depreciation expense, accretion expense, stock-based compensation expense, amortization of deferred financing fees 
and gain or loss on divestitures.

BOE conversions: 

Barrels of oil equivalent (“boe”) amounts have been calculated by using the conversion ratio of six thousand cubic feet (6 Mcf) of 
natural gas to one barrel of oil (1 bbl). Boe amounts may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A boe conversion ratio of 
6 Mcf to 1 bbl is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent 
a value equivalency at the wellhead.

64  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS

 
Mcfe conversions: 

Millions of cubic feet of gas equivalent (“Mcfe”) amounts have been calculated by using the conversion ratio of six thousand cubic 
feet (6 Mcf) of natural gas to one barrel of oil (1 bbl). Mcfe amounts may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A Mcfe 
conversion ratio of 6 Mcf to 1 bbl is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and 
does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. $1.00/MMbtu = $1.00/Mcf based on a standard heat value Mcf.

Forward looking information: 

This MD&A contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking infor-
mation relates to future events or future performance and is based upon the Corporation’s current internal expectations, estimates, 
projections, assumptions and beliefs. All information other than historical fact is forward-looking information. Information relating 
to “reserves” is forward-looking as it involves the implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions, that the 
reserves exist in the quantities estimated and that they will be commercially viable to produce in the future. Words such as “plan”, 
“expect”, “project”, “intend”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “may”, “will”, “potential”, “proposed” and other similar words 
that convey certain events or conditions “may” or “will” occur are intended to identify forward-looking information. 

In particular, this MD&A contains forward-looking information relating to overall production; planned production increases; planned 
2012 capital spending and sources of funding; expected results from the Corporation’s portfolio of oil and gas assets; processing 
capacity and commissioning date of the PCS Gas Plant and its future expansion; royalty rates and incentives; treatment under tax 
laws; and the ability to successfully defend tax reassessments.

The forward-looking information is based upon assumptions as to future commodity prices, currency exchange rates, inflation rates, 
well production rates, well drainage areas, success rates for future drilling and availability of labour and services. Undue reliance 
should not be placed on forward-looking information, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon 
which they are based will occur. Although the Corporation believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements 
are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. As a consequence, actual results may 
differ materially from those anticipated.

Forward-looking information necessarily involves both known and unknown risks associated with oil and gas exploration, production, 
transportation and marketing such as operational risks, environmental risks, loss of market demand, general economic conditions 
affecting ability to access sufficient capital, changes in governmental regulation of the oil and gas industry and competition from 
others for scarce resources.

The foregoing list of risk factors is not exhaustive. Additional information on these and other risk factors that could affect operations 
or financial results are included in the Corporation’s most recent Annual Information Form and in other reports filed with Canadian 
securities regulatory authorities. Forward-looking information is based on estimates and opinions of management at the time the 
information is presented. The Corporation is not under any duty to update the forward-looking information after the date of this 
MD&A to conform such information to actual results or to changes in the Corporation’s plans or expectations, except as otherwise 
required by applicable securities laws.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  65

 
Management’s report:

To the Shareholders of Birchcliff Energy Ltd.

The annual financial statements of Birchcliff Energy Ltd. were prepared by management within 
the acceptable limits of materiality and are in accordance with accounting principles generally 
accepted in Canada. Management is responsible for ensuring that the financial and operating 
information presented in this annual report is consistent with that shown in the financial statements.

The financial statements have been prepared by management in accordance with the accounting 
policies as described in the notes to the financial statements. Timely release of financial information 
sometimes necessitates the use of estimates when transactions affecting the current accounting 
period cannot be finalized until future periods. When necessary, such estimates are based on 
informed judgments made by management. 

Management has designed and maintains an appropriate system of internal controls to provide 
reasonable assurance that all assets are safeguarded and financial records properly maintained 
to facilitate the preparation of financial statements for reporting purposes.

KPMG LLP, an independent firm of Chartered Accountants appointed by shareholders, have 
conducted an examination of the corporate and accounting records in order to express their 
opinion on the financial statements.

The Audit Committee, consisting of non-management directors, has met with representatives 
of KPMG LLP and management in order to determine if management has fulfilled its responsi-
bilities in the preparation of the financial statements. The Board of Directors has approved the 
financial statements on the recommendation of the Audit Committee.

Respectfully,

(signed) “A. Jeffery Tonken” 

(signed) “Bruno P. Geremia”

A. Jeffery Tonken 
President and Chief Executive Officer 

Bruno P. Geremia
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

March 14, 2012

66  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
Independent auditor’s report:

To the Shareholders of Birchcliff Energy Ltd.

We have audited the accompanying financial statements of Birchcliff Energy Ltd. which comprise 
the statements of financial position as at December 31, 2011, December 31, 2010 and January 1, 
2010, the statements of net income and comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity 
and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, and notes, 
comprising a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.

Management’s responsibility for the financial statements

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these financial statements 
in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, and for such internal control as 
management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are 
free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditor’s responsibility

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. 
We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards. 
Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the 
audit  to  obtain  reasonable  assurance  about  whether  the  financial  statements  are  free  from 
material misstatement.

An  audit  involves  performing  procedures  to  obtain  audit  evidence  about  the  amounts  and 
disclosures  in  the  financial  statements.  The  procedures  selected  depend  on  our  judgment, 
including  the  assessment  of  the  risks  of  material  misstatement  of  the  financial  statements, 
whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, we consider internal control 
relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in order 
to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose 
of  expressing  an  opinion  on  the  effectiveness  of  the  entity’s  internal  control.  An  audit  also 
includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of 
accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of 
the financial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained in our audits is sufficient and appropriate 
to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

Opinion

In  our  opinion,  the  financial  statements  present  fairly,  in  all  material  respects,  the  financial 
position of Birchcliff Energy Ltd. as at December 31, 2011, December 31, 2010 and January 1, 
2010,  and  its  financial  performance  and  its  cash  flows  for  the  years  ended  December  31, 
2011 and December 31, 2010 in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards.

(signed) “KPMG LLP”

KPMG LLP 
Chartered Accountants  
Calgary, Alberta 

March 14, 2012

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  67

 
Statements of financial position:
Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars

As at   

 Dec. 31, 2011 

Dec. 31, 2010 

Jan. 1, 2010

ASSETS
Current assets: 
  Cash 
  Accounts receivable (Note 17) 
  Prepaid expenses and deposits  

Non-current assets:
  Deferred financing fees (Note 7)  
  Deferred income taxes (Note 22) 
  Exploration and evaluation (Notes 5 and 22) 
  Petroleum and natural gas properties and equipment (Notes 6 and 22) 

65 
37,699 
2,240 

40,004 

– 
– 
1,858 
1,183,635 

1,185,493 

4,863 
39,241 
2,661 

46,765 

– 
– 
1,540 
990,250 

991,790 

Total assets 

1,225,497 

1,038,555 

140
29,665
4,635

34,440

245
1,152
640
801,783

803,820

838,260

LIABILITIES
Current liabilities: 
  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 

Non-current liabilities: 
  Non-revolving term credit facilities (Note 7) 
  Revolving credit facilities (Note 8) 
  Decommissioning obligations (Notes 9 and 22) 
  Deferred income taxes (Note 10) 

Total liabilities 

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY 
  Share capital (Notes 11 and 22) 
  Contributed surplus (Note 22) 
  Retained earnings (deficit) 

88,602 

50,721 

54,731

68,925 
319,500 
64,023 
27,845 

480,293 

568,895 

567,816 
43,070 
45,716 

656,602 

– 
333,468 
42,106 
13,120 

388,694 

439,415 

554,419 
33,459 
11,262 

599,140 

–
201,230
36,697
–

237,927

292,658

545,675
22,828
(22,901)

545,602

838,260

Total shareholders’ equity and liabilities 

1,225,497 

1,038,555 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

Approved by the Board

(signed) “Werner A. Siemens” 

(signed) “A. Jeffery Tonken”

Werner A. Siemens  
Director 

A. Jeffery Tonken
Director

68  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statements of net income and comprehensive income:
Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except share information

Year ended Dec. 31, 

2011 

2010

REVENUE
  Petroleum and natural gas  
  Royalties  

EXPENSES
  Operating (Note 12) 
  Transportation and marketing  
  Administrative, net (Notes 13 and 15)  
  Depletion and depreciation (Note 6) 
  Finance (Note 14)  

(Gain) on sale of assets (Note 6)  

INCOME BEFORE TAXES  

  Deferred income tax expense (Note 10) 

NET INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME  

Income per common share (Note 18)
  basic 
  diluted 

Weighted average common shares (Note 18)
  basic 
  diluted 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

264,587 
(29,389) 

235,198 

44,706 
17,477 
34,094 
71,736 
20,141 
(2,135) 

189,978
(16,933)

173,045

36,255
12,359
23,494
51,516
16,513
(15,528)

186,019 

124,609

49,179 

48,436

14,725 

14,273

34,454 

34,163

$0.27 
$0.26 

$0.27
$0.27

126,282,910 
131,444,878 

124,629,761
128,520,068

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  69

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statements of changes in shareholders’ equity:
Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, except share information

Number of 
common shares 

Share capital 

Contributed 
surplus 

Retained 
 earnings (deficit) 

Total

As at January 1, 2010 
  Exercise of stock options (Note 15) 
  Stock-based compensation (Note 13) 
  Net income and  

  comprehensive income 

As at December 31, 2010 
  Exercise of stock options (Note 15) 
  Stock-based compensation (Note 13) 
  Net income and  

  comprehensive income 

123,815,002 
1,314,232 
- 

- 

125,129,234 
1,616,343 
- 

545,675 
8,744 
- 

- 

554,419  
13,397 
- 

22,828 
(2,660) 
13,291 

- 

33,459  
(4,396) 
14,007 

- 

- 

- 

As at December 31, 2011 

126,745,577 

567,816 

43,070 

(22,901) 
- 
- 

34,163 

11,262 
- 
- 

34,454  

45,716 

545,602
6,084
13,291

34,163

599,140
9,001
14,007

34,454

656,602

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

70  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended Dec. 31, 

2011 

2010

Statements of cash flows:
Expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars

Cash provided by (used in):
OPERATING
  Net income 
  Adjustments for items not affecting operating cash:

  Depletion and depreciation  
  Stock-based compensation (Note 13) 
  Finance  

(Gain) on sale of assets 
  Deferred income taxes 
Interest paid (Note 14)  

  Decommissioning expenditures (Note 9) 
  Changes in non-cash working capital (Note 20) 

FINANCING
  Exercise of stock options  
  Deferred financing fees paid (Notes 7 and 8) 

Increase in non-revolving term credit facilities 
Increase (decrease) in revolving credit facilities  

INVESTING
  Acquisition of petroleum and natural gas properties and equipment 
  Sale of petroleum and natural gas properties and equipment  
  Additions of exploration and evaluation assets  
  Development of petroleum and natural gas properties and equipment  
  Changes in non-cash working capital (Note 20) 

NET CHANGE IN CASH  

CASH, BEGINNING OF YEAR 

CASH, END OF YEAR  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

34,454 

34,163

71,736 
9,410 
20,141 
(2,135) 
14,725 
(17,505) 
(1,057) 
13,128 

142,897 

9,001 
(1,356) 
69,537 
(14,114) 

63,068 

(6,005) 
8,885 
(313) 
(240,047) 
26,717 

51,516
7,757
16,513
(15,528)
14,273
(13,453)
(902)
1,429

95,768

6,084
(1,268)
–
132,104

136,920

(2,051)
17,511
(878)
(229,506)
(13,041)

(210,763) 

(227,965)

(4,798) 

4,723

4,863 

65 

140

4,863

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  71

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements:

  1.  NATURE OF OPERATIONS

Birchcliff Energy Ltd. (“Birchcliff” or the “Corporation”) is domiciled and incorporated in Canada. Birchcliff is engaged in the 
exploration for and the development, production and acquisition of petroleum and natural gas reserves in Western Canada. 
The Corporation’s financial year end is December 31. The address of the Corporation’s registered office is 500, 630 – 4th 
Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 0J9. Birchcliff trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “BIR”.

These financial statements were approved and authorized for issuance by the Board of Directors on March 14, 2012. 

  2.  BASIS OF PREPARATION

These  financial  statements  present  Birchcliff’s  first  annual  audited  financial  statements  to  be  issued  under  International 
Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as at and for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010. These financial statements 
have been prepared in accordance with IFRS accounting policies and methods of computation as set forth in Note 3 below. 
Previously, the Corporation prepared its annual financial statements in accordance with Canadian Generally Accepted 
Accounting Principles (“Canadian GAAP”).

The preparation of these financial statements resulted in selected changes to the Corporation’s accounting policies as 
compared to those disclosed in the Corporation’s annual audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2010 
issued under Canadian GAAP. Accordingly, the IFRS accounting policies have been retrospectively and consistently applied in 
preparing the financial statements for the 2010 comparative periods, except where specific exemptions permitted an alter-
native treatment upon transition to IFRS in accordance with IFRS 1 First-time Adoption of IFRS. Note 22 to these financial 
statements contains a detailed description of the Corporation’s adoption of IFRS, including a reconciliation of the financial 
statements previously prepared under Canadian GAAP to those under IFRS, for the comparative periods as at January 1, 2010 
and as at and for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Operating, transportation and marketing expenses in profit or loss are presented as a combination of function and nature in 
conformity with industry practices. Depletion and depreciation and finance expenses are presented in a separate line by their 
nature, while net administrative expenses are presented on a functional basis. Significant expenses such as salaries and 
benefits and stock-based compensation are presented by their nature in the notes to the financial statement. 

These financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for certain financial and non-financial assets 
and liabilities, which have been measured at fair value. The Corporation’s financial statements include the accounts of Birchcliff 
only and are expressed in thousands of Canadian dollars, unless otherwise stated. There are no subsidiary companies.

  3.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

a)  Revenue recognition:

Revenue from the sale of petroleum and natural gas is recognized when volumes are delivered and title passes to an external 
party at contractual delivery points and are recorded gross of transportation charges incurred by the Corporation. The costs 
associated with the delivery, including transportation and production-based royalty expenses, are recognized in the same 
period in which the related revenue is earned and recorded.

b)  Cash and cash equivalents:

Cash may consist of cash on hand, deposits and term investments held with a financial institution, with a maturity of three 
months or less. Restricted cash is not considered part of cash and cash equivalents.

c)  Joint controlled operations and assets:

Certain activities of the Corporation are conducted jointly with others where the participants have a direct ownership interest 
in, and jointly control, the related assets. Accordingly, the accounts of Birchcliff reflect only its working interest share of 
revenues, expenses and capital expenditures related to these jointly controlled assets.

72  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
  3.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

d)  Exploration and evaluation:

Costs incurred prior to obtaining the right to explore a mineral resource are recognized as an expense in the period incurred. 

Intangible exploration and evaluation expenditures are initially capitalized and may include mineral license acquisitions, 
geological and geophysical evaluations, technical studies, exploration drilling and testing and other directly attributable 
administrative costs. Tangible assets acquired which are  consumed in developing  an intangible exploration asset are 
recorded as part of the cost of the exploration asset. These costs are accumulated in cost centres by exploration area pending 
the determination of technical feasibility and commercial viability.

The technical feasibility and commercial viability of extracting a mineral resource in an exploration area is considered to 
be determinable when economic quantities of proven reserves are determined to exist. A review of each exploration project 
by area is carried out at each reporting date to ascertain whether such reserves have been discovered. Upon determination 
of commercial proven reserves, associated exploration costs are transferred from exploration and evaluation to developing 
and producing petroleum and natural gas properties and equipment as reported on the Statement of Financial Position. 
Exploration and evaluation assets are reviewed for impairment prior to any such transfer. Assets classified as exploration 
and evaluations are not subject to depletion and depreciation until they are reclassified to petroleum and natural gas 
properties and equipment.

e)  Petroleum and natural gas properties and equipment:

i)  Recognition and measurement

Petroleum and natural gas properties and equipment are measured at cost less accumulated depletion and depreciation 
and accumulated impairment losses, if any. 

Petroleum and natural gas properties and equipment consists of the purchase price and costs directly attributable 
to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for its intended use. Petroleum and natural gas assets 
include developing and producing interests such as mineral lease acquisitions, geological and geophysical costs, facility 
and production equipment and associated turnarounds, other directly attributable administrative costs and the initial 
estimate of the costs of dismantling and removing an asset and restoring the site on which it was located.

ii)  Subsequent costs

Costs incurred subsequent to the determination of technical feasibility and commercial viability are recognized 
as  developing  and  producing  petroleum  and  natural  gas  interests  when  they  increase  the  future  economic  benefits 
embodied in the specific asset to which they relate. Such capitalized petroleum and natural gas interests generally 
represent costs incurred in developing proved and/or probable reserves and bringing in or enhancing production from 
such reserves, and are accumulated on an area basis. The cost of day-to-day servicing of an item of petroleum and 
natural gas properties and equipment is expensed in profit or loss as incurred.

Petroleum and natural gas properties and equipment are de-recognized upon disposal or when no future economic 
benefits are expected to arise from the continued use of the asset. Any gain or loss arising from the disposal of an asset, 
determined as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset, is recognized 
in profit or loss. 

iii)  Asset exchanges

For exchanges or parts of exchanges that involve only exploration and evaluation assets, the exchange is accounted for 
at carrying value. Exchanges of development and production assets are measured at fair value, unless the exchange 
transaction lacks commercial substance or the fair value of the assets given up or the assets received cannot be reliably 
estimated. The cost of the acquired asset is measured at the fair value of the asset given up, unless the fair value 
of the asset received is more reliable. Where fair value is not used, the cost of the acquired asset is measured at the 
carrying amount of the asset given up. Any gain or loss on the de-recognition of the asset given up is recognized in 
profit and loss.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  73

 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements:

  3.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

iv)  Depletion and depreciation

The net carrying value of developing and producing petroleum and natural gas assets, net of estimated residual value, 
is depleted on an area basis using the unit of production method. This depletion calculation includes actual production 
in the period and total estimated proved plus probable reserves attributable to the assets being depreciated, taking into 
account total capitalized costs plus estimated future development costs necessary to bring those reserves into produc-
tion. Relative volumes of reserves and production (before royalties) are converted at the energy equivalent conversion 
ratio of six thousand cubic feet of natural gas to one barrel of oil. These estimates are reviewed by the Corporation’s 
independent reserves evaluator at least annually.

Capitalized plant turnaround costs are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated time until the next turn-
around is completed. Corporate assets, which include office furniture and equipment, software, computer equipment 
and  leasehold  improvements,  are  depreciated  on  a  straight-line  basis  over  the  estimated  useful  lives  of  the  assets, 
which are estimated to be four years.

When significant parts of property and equipment, including petroleum and natural gas interests, have different useful 
lives, they are accounted for as separate items (major components). Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual 
values for petroleum and natural gas properties and equipment are reviewed at each reporting date. 

f)  Provisions:

Provisions are recognized when the Corporation has a present obligation (legal or constructive), as a result of a past event, 
if it is probable that the Corporation will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the 
amount of the obligation.

The amount recognized as a provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation at 
the end of the reporting period, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. When a provision 
is measured using the cash flows estimated to settle the present obligation, its carrying amount is the present value of those 
cash flows (where the effect of the time value of money is material).

When some or all of the economic benefits required to settle a provision are expected to be recovered from a third party, 
a receivable is recognized as an asset if it is virtually certain that reimbursement will be received and the amount of the 
receivable can be measured reliably.

Provisions are not recognized for future operating losses.

g)  Decommissioning obligations:

The Corporation’s activities give rise to dismantling, restoration and site disturbance remediation activities. Costs related to 
abandonment activities are estimated by management in consultation with the Corporation’s independent reserves evalu-
ators based on risk-adjusted current costs which take into consideration current technology in accordance with existing 
legislation and industry practices. 

Decommissioning  obligations  are  measured  at  the  present  value  of  the  best  estimate  of  expenditures  required  to  settle 
the present obligations at the reporting date. When the fair value of the liability is initially measured, the estimated cost, 
discounted using a pre-tax risk-free discount rate, is capitalized by increasing the carrying amount of the related petroleum 
and natural gas properties and equipment. The increase in the provision due to the passage of time, which is referred to as 
accretion, is recognized as a finance expense. Actual costs incurred upon settlement of the liability are charged against the 
obligation to the extent that the obligation was previously established. The carrying amount capitalized in petroleum and 
natural gas properties and equipment is depleted in accordance with the Corporation’s depletion and depreciation policy. 
The Corporation reviews the obligation at each reporting date and revisions to the estimated timing of cash flows, discount 
rates and estimated costs will result in an increase or decrease to the obligations and the related petroleum and natural gas 
properties and equipment. Any difference between the actual costs incurred upon settlement of the obligation and recorded 
liability is recognized as a gain or loss in profit or loss. 

74  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
 
  3.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

h)  Share-based payments:

Equity-settled share-based awards granted by the Corporation include stock options and performance warrants granted to 
officers, directors and employees. The fair value determined at the grant date of an award is expensed on a graded basis 
over the vesting period of each respective tranche of an award with a corresponding increase to contributed surplus. In 
calculating the expense of share-based awards, the Corporation revises its estimate of the number of equity instruments 
expected to vest by applying an estimated forfeiture rate for each vesting tranche and subsequently revising this estimate 
throughout the vesting period, as necessary, with a final adjustment to reflect the actual number of awards that vest. Upon 
the  exercise  of  share-based  awards,  consideration  paid  together  with  the  amount  previously  recognized  in  contributed 
surplus is recorded as an increase to share capital. In the event that vested share-based awards expire without being 
exercised, previously recognized compensation costs associated with such awards are not reversed. The expense related to 
share-based awards is included within administrative expenses in profit or loss.

The fair value of equity-settled share-based awards is measured using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model taking into 
account the terms and conditions upon which the awards were granted. Measurement inputs as at the grant date include: 
share  price,  exercise  price,  expected  volatility  (based  on  weighted  average  historical  traded  daily  volatility),  weighted 
average expected life of the instruments (based on historical experience and general option holder behaviour), expected 
dividends and the risk-free interest rate (based on government bonds) applicable to the term of the award. 

A portion of share-based compensation expense directly attributable to the exploration and development of the Corporation’s 
assets are capitalized.

i)  Finance income and expenses:

Finance expenses include interest expense on borrowings, accretion of the discount on decommissioning obligations, amor-
tization of deferred charges and impairment losses (if any) recognized on financial assets. Interest income is recognized as 
it is earned.

j)  Borrowing costs:

Borrowing  costs  incurred  for  the  acquisition,  construction  or  production  of  qualifying  assets  are  capitalized  during  the 
period of time that is required to complete and prepare the asset for its intended use or sale. Assets are considered to be 
qualifying assets when this period of time is substantial. The capitalization rate, used to determine the amount of borrowing 
costs to be capitalized, is the weighted average interest rate applicable to the Corporation’s outstanding borrowings during 
the period. All other borrowing costs are charged to profit or loss using the effective interest method. 

k)  Financial instruments:

i)  Non-derivative financial instruments

Non-derivative financial instruments comprise cash, accounts receivable, deposits, accounts payable and accrued 
liabilities and outstanding credit facilities. Non-derivative financial instruments are recognized initially at fair value plus 
any directly attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, non-derivative financial instruments are 
measured based on their classification. The Corporation has made the following classifications:

(cid:2)  Cash is classified as financial assets at fair value through profit or loss, showing separately (i) those designated as 
such upon initial recognition and (ii) those classified as held for trading in accordance with IAS 39 Financial Instru-
ments: Recognition and Measurement.

(cid:2)  Accounts receivable and deposits are classified as loans and receivables and are measured at amortized cost using 
the effective interest method. Typically, the fair value of these balances approximates their carrying value due to their 
short term to maturity.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  75

 
 
Notes to the financial statements:

  3.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

(cid:2)  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities and outstanding credit facilities are classified as other liabilities and are 
measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. Due to the short term nature of accounts payable 
and accrued liabilities, their carrying values approximate their fair values. The Corporation’s outstanding credit 
facilities bear interest at a floating rate and accordingly the fair market value approximates the carrying value before 
the carrying value is reduced for any remaining unamortized costs.

ii)  Derivative financial instruments

Derivatives may be used by the Corporation to manage economic exposure to market risk relating to commodity prices. 
Birchcliff’s policy is not to utilize derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. The Corporation does not 
designate its financial derivative contracts as hedges, and as such does not apply hedge accounting. As a result, all 
financial derivative contracts are classified at fair value through profit or loss and are recorded on the Statement of 
Financial Position at fair value. 

The Corporation accounts for any forward physical delivery sales contracts, which were entered into and continue to 
be held for the purpose of receipt or delivery of non-financial items, in accordance with its expected purchase, sale 
or usage requirements as executory contracts. As such, these contracts are not considered to be derivative financial 
instruments and have not been recorded at fair value on the Statement of Financial Position. 

iii)  Share capital

Common shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issuance of common shares are 
recognized as a reduction in share capital, net of any tax effects.

l)  Impairment:

i)  Impairment of financial assets

Financial assets are assessed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any objective evidence that they are 
impaired. A financial asset is considered to be impaired if objective evidence indicates that one or more events have 
had a negative effect on the estimated future cash flows of that asset. An impairment loss in respect of a financial asset 
measured at amortized cost is calculated as the difference between its carrying amount and the present value of the 
estimated future cash flows discounted at the original effective interest rate.

Significant financial assets are tested for impairment on an individual basis. The remaining financial assets are assessed 
collectively in groups that share similar credit risk characteristics. Impairment losses are recognized in profit or loss. 
An impairment loss is reversed if the reversal can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment loss 
was recognized.

ii)  Impairment of non-financial assets

The Corporation’s petroleum and natural gas properties and equipment are grouped into Cash Generating Units (“CGU”) 
for the purpose of assessing impairment. A CGU represents the smallest group of assets that generates cash inflows 
from continuing use that are largely independent of the cash inflows of other assets or groups of assets.

CGU’s are reviewed at each reporting date for indicators of potential impairment. Such indicators may include, but are 
not limited to, changes in the Corporation’s business plan, deterioration in commodity prices, significant downward 
revisions of estimated recoverable reserves or increases in estimated future development expenditures. If indicators of 
asset impairment exist, an impairment test is performed by comparing a CGU’s carrying value to its recoverable amount. 
A CGU’s recoverable amount is the greater of its fair value less cost to sell and its current value in use. The calculation 
of the recoverable amount is sensitive to the assumptions regarding production volumes, discount rates and commodity 
prices. Any excess of carrying value over recoverable amount is recognized as impairment loss in profit or loss. 

76  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
 
 
 
 
  3.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

In assessing the value in use, the estimated future cash flows from proved and probable reserves are discounted to 
their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessment of the time value of money. 
Fair value is determined as the amount that would be obtained from the sale of the asset in an arm’s length transaction 
between knowledgeable and willing parties. The petroleum and natural gas future prices used in the impairment test 
are based on period-end commodity price forecasts estimated by the Corporation’s independent reserves evaluator and 
are adjusted for petroleum and natural gas differentials, transportation and marketing costs specific to the Corporation. 

Where circumstances change such that an impairment no longer exists or is less than the amount previously recog-
nized,  the  carrying  amount  of  the  CGU  is  increased  to  the  revised  estimate  of  its  recoverable  amount  as  long 
as the revised estimate does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined, net of depletion and 
depreciation, had no impairment loss been recognized for the CGU in prior periods. A reversal of an impairment loss is 
recognized immediately through profit or loss. 

Exploration and evaluation assets are assessed for impairment if: (i) sufficient data exists to determine technical feasi-
bility and commercial viability of an exploration area, or (ii) facts and circumstances suggest that the carrying amount 
exceeds the recoverable amount. For purposes of impairment testing, exploration and evaluation assets are allocated 
to CGU’s.

m) Income taxes:

The Corporation’s income tax expenses include current and/or deferred tax. Income tax expense is recognized through profit 
or loss except to the extent that it relates to items recognized directly in equity, in which case the related income taxes are 
also recognized in equity.

Current tax is the expected tax payable on taxable income for the period, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted 
at the reporting date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years.

Deferred tax is recognized on temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial 
statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable income. Deferred tax liabilities are generally 
recognized for all taxable temporary differences. Deferred tax assets are generally recognized for all deductible temporary 
differences to the extent that it is probable that taxable income will be available against which those deductible temporary 
differences can be utilized. The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at the end of each reporting period and 
reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable income will be available to allow all or part of the 
asset to be recovered.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period in which the liability 
is expected to be settled or the asset realized, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively 
enacted by the end of the reporting period. The measurement of deferred tax liabilities and assets reflects the tax conse-
quences that would follow from the manner in which Birchcliff expects, at the end of the reporting period, to recover or 
settle the carrying amount of its assets and liabilities.

n)  Flow-through shares:

The Corporation may issue flow-through shares to finance a portion of its capital expenditure program. Pursuant to the 
terms of the flow-through share agreements, the tax deductions associated with the expenditures are renounced to the 
subscribers. The difference between the value ascribed to flow-through shares issued and the value that would have been 
received for common shares at the date of announcements of the flow-through shares is initially recognized as a liability on 
the Statement of Financial Position. When the expenditures are incurred, the liability is drawn down, a deferred tax liability 
is recorded equal to the estimated amount of deferred income tax payable by the Corporation as a result of the renunciation 
and the difference is recognized as a deferred tax expense.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  77

 
Notes to the financial statements:

  3.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

o)  Critical accounting judgments and key sources of estimation uncertainty:

The timely preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions 
that affect the application of accounting policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities and income and expenses. 
Accordingly,  actual  results  may  differ  from  these  estimates.  Estimates  and  underlying  assumptions  are  reviewed  on  an 
ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimates are revised and in 
any future periods affected. 

  Critical judgements in applying accounting policies:

The following are the critical judgments that management has made in the process of applying the Corporation’s accounting 
policies and that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognized in these financial statements:

i)  Identification of cash-generating units

Birchcliff’s assets are aggregated into CGU’s for the purpose of calculating impairment based on their ability to 
generate largely independent cash inflows. CGU’s have been determined based on similar geological structure, shared 
infrastructure, geographical proximity, operating structure, commodity type and similar exposures to market risks. By 
their nature, these assumptions are subject to management’s judgement and may impact the carrying value of the 
Corporation’s assets in future periods.

  Key sources of estimation uncertainty:

The following are the key assumptions concerning the sources of estimation uncertainty at the end of the reporting period, 
that have a significant risk of causing adjustments to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial 
year:

i)  Reserve estimation

Estimation of reported recoverable quantities of proved and probable reserves include judgmental assumptions regarding 
production profile, commodity prices, exchange rates, remediation costs, timing and amount of future development 
costs, and production, transportation and marketing costs for future cash flows. It also requires interpretation of geological 
and geophysical models in order to make an assessment of the size, shape, depth and quality of reservoirs, and their 
anticipated recoveries. The economical, geological and technical factors used to estimate reserves may change from 
period  to  period.  Changes  in  reported  reserves  can  impact  the  carrying  values  of  the  Corporation’s  petroleum  and 
natural gas properties and equipment, the calculation of depletion and depreciation, the provision for decommissioning 
obligations, and the recognition of deferred tax assets due to changes in expected future cash flows. The recoverable 
quantities of reserves and estimated cash flows from Birchcliff’s petroleum and natural gas interests are independently 
evaluated by reserve engineers at least annually.

The  Corporation’s  petroleum  and  natural  gas  reserves  represent  the  estimated  quantities  of  petroleum,  natural  gas 
and  natural  gas  liquids  which  geological,  geophysical  and  engineering  data  demonstrate  with  a  specified  degree  of 
certainty to be economically recoverable in future years from known reservoirs and which are considered commercially 
producible. Such reserves may be considered commercially producible if management has the intention of developing 
and producing them and such intention is based upon (i) a reasonable assessment of the future economics of such 
production; (ii) a reasonable expectation that there is a market for all or substantially all the expected petroleum and 
natural gas production; and (iii) evidence that the necessary production, transmission and transportation facilities are 
available or can be made available. Reserves may only be considered proven and probable if producibility is supported 
by either production or conclusive formation tests. Birchcliff’s oil and gas reserves are determined in accordance with 
the standards contained in National Instrument 51-101 Standard of Disclosures for Oil and Gas Activities and the 
Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook.

78  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
 
 
  3.  SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

ii)  Share-based payments

All equity-settled, share-based awards issued by the Corporation are fair valued using the Black-Scholes option-pricing 
model. In assessing the fair value of equity-based compensation, estimates have to be made regarding the expected 
volatility in share price, option life, dividend yield, risk-free rate and estimated forfeitures at the initial grant date.

iii)  Decommissioning obligations

The Corporation estimates future remediation costs of production facilities, wells and pipelines at different stages of 
development and construction of assets or facilities. In most instances, removal of assets occurs many years into the 
future. This requires judgment regarding abandonment date, future environmental and regulatory legislation, the extent 
of reclamation activities, the engineering methodology for estimating cost, future removal technologies in determining 
the removal cost and liability-specific discount rates to determine the present value of these cash flows.

iv)  Impairment of non-financial assets

For the purposes of determining whether impairment of petroleum and natural gas assets has occurred, and the extent 
of any impairment or its reversal, the key assumptions the Corporation uses in estimating future cash flows are future 
petroleum and natural gas prices, expected production volumes and anticipated recoverable quantities of proved and 
probable reserves. These assumptions are subject to change as new information becomes available. Changes in economic 
conditions can also affect the rate used to discount future cash flow estimates. Changes in the aforementioned 
assumptions could affect the carrying amount of the Corporation’s assets, and impairment charges and reversal will 
affect profit or loss.

v)  Income taxes

Birchcliff files corporate income tax, goods and service tax and other tax returns with various provincial and federal 
taxation authorities in Canada. There can be differing interpretations of applicable tax laws and regulations. The reso-
lution of these tax positions through negotiations or litigation with tax authorities can take several years to complete. 
The Corporation does not anticipate that there will be any material impact upon the results of its operations, financial 
position or liquidity. 

Tax provisions are based on enacted or substantively enacted laws. Changes in those laws could affect amounts 
recognized in profit or loss both in the period of change, which would include any impact on cumulative provisions, 
and in future periods.

Deferred tax assets (if any) are recognized only to the extent it is considered probable that those assets will be recoverable. 
This involves an assessment of when those deferred tax assets are likely to reverse and a judgment as to whether or not 
there will be sufficient taxable profits available to offset the tax assets when they do reverse. This requires assumptions 
regarding future profitability and is therefore inherently uncertain. Estimates of future taxable income are based on fore-
casted cash flows from operations. To the extent that any interpretation of tax law is challenged by the tax authorities or 
future cash flows and taxable income differ significantly from estimates, the ability of Birchcliff to realize the deferred 
tax assets recorded at the balance sheet date could be impacted.

p)  Earnings per share:

Basic per share information is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the 
period. Diluted per share information is calculated using the treasury stock method, which assumes that any proceeds from 
the exercise of “in-the-money” stock options or performance warrants, plus the unamortized stock-based compensation 
expense amounts, would be used to purchase common shares at the average market price during the period. No adjustment 
to diluted earnings per share is made if the result of these calculations is anti-dilutive.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  79

 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements:

  4.  CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Recent accounting standards and interpretations issued but not yet effective:

In 2011, the IASB issued the following new and revised IFRSs effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 
2013. Earlier application is permitted providing that IFRS 10, IFRS 11, IFRS 12, IAS 27 and IAS 28 are adopted together, 
except that IFRS 12 may be adopted earlier. Birchcliff is currently assessing the impact of adopting these pronouncements, 
however, it anticipates that these standards will not have a material impact on the Corporation’s financial statements.

IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements builds on existing principles by identifying the concept of control as the determining 
factor in whether an entity should be included within the consolidated financial statements of the parent company. The standard 
provides additional guidance to assist in the determination of control where this is difficult to assess. IFRS 10 replaces those 
parts of IAS 27 Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements (revised 2011) that address when and how an entity should 
prepare consolidated financial statements and replaces SIC 12 Consolidation – Special Purpose Entities in its entirety. IAS 27 
retains the current guidance for separate financial statements.

IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements provides for a more substance based reflection of joint arrangements by focusing on the rights 
and obligations of the arrangement, rather than its legal form (as is currently the case). The standard addresses inconsistencies 
in the reporting of joint arrangements by requiring a single method to account for interests in jointly controlled entities. IFRS 
11 supersedes IAS 31 Interests in Joint Ventures and SIC 13 Jointly Controlled Entities – Non-Monetary Contributions by 
Ventures. IAS 28 Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures (revised 2011) has been amended to conform to changes 
based on the issuance of IFRS 10 and IFRS 11.

IFRS 12 Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities requires extensive disclosures relating to an entity’s interests in subsidiaries, 
joint arrangements, associates and unconsolidated structured entities. An entity is required to disclose information that helps 
users of its financial statements evaluate the nature of and risks associated with its interests in other entities and the effects 
of those interests on its financial statements. The effective date of IFRS 12 is January 1, 2013 but entities are permitted to 
incorporate any of the new disclosures in their financial statements before that date.

IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement establishes a single framework for measuring fair values. This standard applies to all 
transactions and balances (whether financial or non-financial) for which IFRS requires or permits fair value measurements, 
with the exception of share-based payment transactions accounted for under IFRS 2 Share-based Payment and leasing 
transactions within the scope of IAS 17 Leases. IFRS 13 defines fair value, provides guidance on its determination and 
introduces consistent requirements for disclosures on fair value measurements.

Other accounting standards and interpretations:

IFRS 7 Financial Instruments includes amendments issued by the IASB on Disclosures – Transfers of Financial Assets that 
increase the disclosure requirements for transactions involving transfers of financial assets. These amendments are intended 
to provide greater transparency around risk exposures of transactions where a financial asset is transferred but the transferor 
retains some level of continuing exposure in the asset. The amendments also require disclosure where transfers of financial 
assets are not evenly distributed throughout the period. These amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or 
after July 1, 2011. The application of the standard did not have an impact on the Corporation’s financial statements.

IFRS 9 Financial Instruments issued in November 2009 and amended in October 2010 introduces new requirements for the 
classification and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities and for de-recognition. IFRS 9 is expected to be 
published in three parts. The first part, Phase 1 – classification and measurement of financial instruments sets out the require-
ments for recognizing and measuring financial assets, financial liabilities and some contracts to buy or sell non-financial items. 
Phase 1 simplifies the measurement of financial assets by classifying all financial assets as those being recorded at amortized 
cost or being recorded at fair value. Phase 1 is effective for periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, although earlier 
adoption is allowed. Except for certain additional disclosures, the adoption of this standard is not expected to have an impact 
on the Corporation’s financial statements.

80  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
  5.  EXPLORATION AND EVALUATION ASSETS

The components of Exploration and Evaluation (“E&E”) assets are as follows:

000’s

As at January 1, 2010  
  Additions 

As at December 31, 2010 
  Additions 

As at December 31, 2011 

E&E(1)(2)

640
900

1,540
318

1,858

1)  E&E assets consist of the Corporation’s exploration activities which are pending the determination of economic quantities of commercially producible proven 
reserves. Additions represent the Corporation’s net share of costs incurred on E&E activities during the period. There were no costs reclassified from E&E to 
petroleum and natural gas properties and equipment in 2011 and 2010.

2)  At the end of each reporting period, the Corporation performed an asset impairment review of its E&E assets to ensure that the carrying values of those assets 

are recoverable. The Corporation’s E&E assets were not impaired at December 31, 2011 and 2010.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  81

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements:

  6.  PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS PROPERTIES AND EQUIPMENT 

The components of Petroleum and Natural Gas (“P&NG”) Properties and Equipment are as follows:

000’s

Cost:
As at January 1, 2010  
  Additions 
  Acquisitions 
  Dispositions(1) 

As at December 31, 2010 
  Additions 
  Acquisitions 
  Dispositions(1) 

As at December 31, 2011(2) 

Accumulated depletion and depreciation:
As at January 1, 2010 
  Depletion and depreciation expense(3) 
  Dispositions(1) 

As at December 31, 2010 
  Depletion and depreciation expense(3) 
  Dispositions(1) 

As at December 31, 2011 

Net book value(4): 
As at January 1, 2010 
As at December 31, 2010 
As at December 31, 2011 

P&NG 

Corporate  

Total

800,220 
237,954 
2,051 
(2,572) 

1,037,653 
264,979 
6,005 
(7,159) 

1,301,478 

- 
(50,850) 
590 

(50,260) 
(70,757) 
408 

(120,609) 

3,415 
1,960 
- 
- 

5,375 
888 
- 
- 

6,263 

(1,852) 
(666) 
- 

(2,518) 
(979) 
- 

(3,497) 

803,635
239,914
2,051
(2,572)

1,043,028
265,867
6,005
(7,159)

1,307,741

(1,852)
(51,516)
590

(52,778)
(71,736)
408

(124,106)

800,220 
987,393 
1,180,869 

1,563 
2,857 
2,766 

801,783
990,250
1,183,635

1)  During 2011, Birchcliff disposed of non-core assets for $8.9 million which resulted in a net gain on sale of approximately $2.1 million. In 2010, the Corporation 

disposed of a non-core asset for $17.5 million which resulted in a gain of approximately $15.5 million on the sale during that period. 

2)  At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Corporation’s P&NG properties and equipment were pledged as security for its credit facilities. Although the Corporation 
believes that it has title to its petroleum and natural gas properties, it cannot control or completely protect itself against the risk of title disputes and challenges. 
There were no borrowing costs capitalized to P&NG properties and equipment during 2011 and 2010.

3)  Future capital costs required to develop and produce proved plus probable reserves in the amount to $1.90 billion (2010 – $1.14 billion) are included in the 

depletion calculation.

4)  At the end of each reporting period, the Corporation performed an asset impairment review to ensure that the carrying value of its P&NG properties and equip-
ment is recoverable and does not exceed its fair value. Birchcliff’s P&NG properties and equipment were not impaired at December 31, 2011 and 2010. In 
determining the recoverable amount, Birchcliff applied a pre-tax discount rate of 10% on cash flows from proved plus probable reserves. The petroleum and 
natural gas future prices are based on period-end commodity price forecasts of the Corporation’s independent reserves evaluator. 

  7.  NON-REVOLVING TERM CREDIT FACILITIES

Non-revolving five-year term credit facility:

On May 18, 2011, the Corporation entered into a $70 million non-revolving five-year term credit facility (the “Non-Revolving 
Five-Year Term Facility”) with a maturity date on May 25, 2016. This facility is provided by a syndicate of banks (the “Syndicate”). 
The Non-Revolving Five-Year Term Facility requires principle payments of $350,000 per quarter commencing July 1, 2013. 
In May 2011, the Corporation had drawn the full $70 million available under this Facility, the proceeds of which were used 
to reduce the amounts outstanding on the Corporation’s revolving credit facilities (Note 8).

82  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  7.  NON-REVOLVING TERM CREDIT FACILITIES (continued)

The Corporation paid a fee to the Syndicate to establish the Non-Revolving Five-Year Term Facility. This fee has been deferred 
and netted against the amounts drawn under this facility and is being amortized to income over the five year period. During 
2011,  the  Corporation  amortized  to  income  approximately  $0.1  million  in  deferred  fees  applicable  to  the  Non-Revolving 
Five-Year Term Facility. The overall effective interest rate applicable to the bankers’ acceptances issued under this facility was 
5.0% in 2011.

The Non-Revolving Five-Year Term Facility allows for prime rate loans and bankers’ acceptances. The interest rates applicable 
to the drawn loans are based on a pricing grid and will change as a result of the ratio of outstanding indebtedness to earnings 
before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. The Non-Revolving Five-Year Term Facility is secured by a fixed and floating 
charge debenture, an instrument of pledge and a general security agreement encompassing all of the Corporation’s assets.

Non-revolving one-year term credit facility:

On May 21, 2009, the Corporation entered into a $50 million non-revolving one-year term credit facility (the “Non-Revolving 
One-Year Term Facility”). The Corporation paid financing fees to its Syndicate to establish this facility. As no amounts were 
drawn or outstanding on the Non-Revolving One-Year Term Facility at the end of 2009, approximately $0.2 million in unamortized 
fees was shown as a non-current asset on the Statement of Financial Position. In May 2010, the Corporation repaid and 
cancelled the Non-Revolving One-Year Term Facility using the increased funds available from the revolving credit facilities.

During 2010, the Corporation amortized to income approximately $0.5 million in deferred fees applicable to the Non-Revolving 
One-Year Term Facility. The overall effective interest rate applicable to the bankers’ acceptances issued under this facility was 
5.6% in 2010.

  8.  REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITIES

The components of the Corporation’s revolving credit facilities include:

As at Dec. 31, 

000’s

  Syndicated credit facility 
  Working capital facility 

Drawn revolving credit facilities 
  Unamortized prepaid interest on bankers’ acceptances 
  Unamortized deferred financing fees 

Total revolving credit facilities 

2011 

2010

304,000 
19,221 

323,221 
(3,471) 
(250) 

319,500 

334,000
5,176

339,176

(5,311) 
(397) 

333,468

Effective May 18, 2011, Birchcliff amended its agreement with its Syndicate, which increased the Corporation’s revolving 
credit facilities limit from $375 million to an aggregate limit of $450 million. At December 31, 2011, the revolving credit 
facilities consisted of an extendible revolving term credit facility with an authorized limit of $420 million (the “Syndicated 
Credit Facility”) and an extendible revolving working capital facility with an authorized limit of $30 million (the “Working 
Capital Facility”). The Corporation paid a fee to the Syndicate to extend the conversion date of the revolving credit facilities 
from May 20, 2011 to May 18, 2012. These fees have been deferred and netted against the amounts drawn under this 
facility and are being amortized to income over the one year extension period. In 2011, the Corporation amortized to income 
approximately $0.8 million (2010 – $1.2 million) in deferred fees applicable to this facility.

At December 31, 2011, the effective interest rate applicable to the Working Capital Facility was 5.0% (2010 – 5.8%). The 
overall effective interest rate applicable to the bankers’ acceptances issued under the Syndicated Credit Facility was 5.3% 
during 2011 (2010 – 4.8%).

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  83

 
Notes to the financial statements:

  8.  REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITIES (continued)

The revolving credit facilities allow for prime rate loans, US base rate loans, bankers’ acceptances, letters of credit and LIBOR 
loans. The interest rates applicable to the drawn loans are based on a pricing grid and will change as a result of the ratio of 
outstanding indebtedness to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. The revolving credit facilities are 
subject to the Syndicate’s redetermination of the borrowing base twice each year as of November 15 and the conversion date. 
Upon any change in or redetermination of the borrowing base limit which results in a borrowing base shortfall, Birchcliff must 
eliminate the borrowing base shortfall amount. The revolving credit facilities are secured by a fixed and floating charge deben-
ture, an instrument of pledge and a general security agreement encompassing all of the Corporation’s assets.

Syndicated credit facility:

The Syndicated Credit Facility has a conversion date of May 18, 2012 and a maturity date which is two years after the conver-
sion date. Birchcliff may request an extension of the conversion date with such an extension not exceeding 364 days, in order 
to maintain the revolving Syndicated Credit Facility. If the conversion date of the Syndicated Credit Facility is not extended, 
then on the conversion date, the revolving Syndicated Credit Facility will convert to a term loan whereby all principal and 
interest will be required to be repaid at the maturity date.

Working capital facility:

The Working Capital Facility has a conversion date of May 18, 2012 and a maturity date which is two years after the conver-
sion date. Birchcliff may request an extension of the conversion date with such an extension not exceeding 364 days, in order 
to maintain the revolving Working Capital Facility. If the Syndicate does not grant an extension of the conversion date, then 
upon four months after the expiry of the conversion date, the revolving Working Capital Facility will convert to a term whereby 
all principal and interest will be required to be repaid at the maturity date.

  9.  DECOMMISSIONING OBLIGATIONS

The Corporation’s decommissioning obligations result from net ownership interests in petroleum and natural gas properties 
and equipment including well sites, processing facilities and gathering systems. The total estimated undiscounted cash flows 
required to settle the Corporation’s decommissioning obligations at December 31, 2011 was $104.9 million (2010 – $91.5 
million) and is expected to be incurred between 2012 and 2062. A pre-tax risk-free discount rate of 2.6% and an inflation 
rate of 2.0% were used to calculate the discounted fair value of the obligation in 2011 (2010 – 4.0% discount rate and 2.0% 
inflation rate).

A reconciliation of the decommissioning obligations is provided below:

As at Dec. 31, 

000’s

Balance, beginning  
  Obligations incurred 
  Obligations acquired 
  Changes in estimate(1) 
  Changes in discount rate 
  Accretion expense 
  Actual expenditures 

Balance, ending 

2011 

2010

42,106 
2,999 
237 
5,988 
12,003 
1,747 
(1,057) 

64,023 

36,697
2,385
85
2,427
–
1,414
(902)

42,106

1)  Changes largely due to the revision in both the abandonment and remediation cost estimates and future abandonment dates of Birchcliff’s wells and 

processing facilities.

84  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
10.  DEFERRED INCOME TAXES

The provision for income taxes differs from the result that would be obtained by applying the combined Canadian federal and 
provincial income tax rate of 26.5% in 2011 (2010 – 28%). The components of deferred income tax expense include:

As at Dec. 31, 

000’s

Net income before taxes 

Computed expected income tax expense  
Increase (decrease) in taxes resulting from: 
  Non-deductible stock-based compensation 
  Non-deductible expenses 
  Changes in tax rate and other 

Deferred income tax expense 

The components of deferred income tax liabilities include:

As at Dec. 31, 

000’s

Deferred tax liabilities: 
  Petroleum and natural assets 
  Deferred financing fees 
Deferred tax assets: 
  Decommissioning obligations 
  Share issue costs 
  NCL’s, SR&ED’s & ITC’s(1)  

Deferred income tax liabilities 

2011 

2010

49,179 

13,032 

2,567 
76 
(950) 

14,725 

48,436

13,562

2,185
69
(1,543)

14,273

2011 

2010

(83,730) 
(216) 

(69,173)
(105)

16,006 
544 
39,551 

10,564
1,465
44,129

(27,845) 

(13,120)

1)  “NCL’s” = Non Capital Losses; “SR&ED’s” = “Scientific Research & Experimental Development”; “ITC’s” = “Investment Tax Credits”

At December 31, 2011, the Corporation’s estimated non-capital losses for income tax purposes was approximately $161.1 
million (2010 - $157.2 million). Management expects that future taxable income will be available to utilize non-capital losses. 
The following table shows a breakdown of the Corporation’s non-capital losses at the end of 2011 by year of expiry:

Year of expiry 

000’s

2028 
2029 
2030 
2031 

Total non-capital losses 

Amount 

18,098
28,463
58,376
56,151

161,088

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  85

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements:

11.  SHARE CAPITAL

a)  Authorized:

Unlimited number of voting common shares, with no par value.
Unlimited number of non-voting preferred shares, with no par value.

The preferred shares may be issued in one or more series and the directors are authorized to fix the number of shares in 
each series and to determine the designation, rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions attached to the shares of each 
series.

b)  Issued: 

Refer to the Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for movement in share capital.

12.  OPERATING EXPENSES

The  Corporation’s  operating  expenses  include  all  costs  with  respect  to  day-to-day  well  and  facility  operations.  Processing 
recoveries related to joint interest and third party natural gas reduces operating expenses. The components of operating 
expenses are as follows:

Year ended Dec. 31, 

000’s

  Field operating costs 
  Recoveries 

Field operating costs, net  
  Expensed workovers and other 

Total operating expenses 

13.  ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

The components of administrative expenses are as follows:

Year ended Dec. 31, 

000’s

Cash: 
  Salaries and benefits(1) 
  Other(2) 

  Operating overhead recoveries 
  Capitalized overhead(3) 

General and administrative, net 

Non-cash: 
  Stock-based compensation (Note 15)  
  Capitalized stock-based compensation(3)  

Stock-based compensation, net 

2011 

2010

51,689 
(7,509) 

44,180 
526 

44,706 

41,212
(6,105)

35,107
1,148

36,255

2011 

2010

21,150 
10,650 

31,800 
(1,029) 
(6,087) 

24,684 

14,007 
(4,597) 

9,410 

14,319
8,002

22,321
(1,254)
(5,330)

15,737

13,291
(5,534)

7,757

Total administrative expenses, net 

34,094 

23,494

1)  Includes salaries, benefits and bonuses paid to all Directors, Officers and employees of the Corporation.

2)  Includes costs such as rent, legal, tax, insurance, minor computer hardware and software and other business expenses incurred by the Corporation.

3)  Includes a portion of salaries and benefits and stock-based compensation directly attributed to the exploration and development activities which have been 

capitalized. 

86  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
 
 
 
 
13.  ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES (continued)

Compensation for Executive Officers and Directors are comprised of the following:

Year ended Dec. 31, 

000’s

Salaries and benefits(1) 
Stock-based compensation(2) 

Executive Officers and Directors compensation 

2011 

2010

4,283 
3,812 

8,095 

3,394
3,541

6,935

1)  Includes salaries, benefits and bonuses earned by Executive Officers and Directors comprising of: Chairman of the Board, President & Chief Executive Officer, 
Vice President of Exploration & Chief Operating Officer, Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Vice President of Operations, Vice President of Engineering, 
Vice President of Corporate Development and other independent Directors.

2)  Represents the amortization of stock-based compensation expense in the year associated with options granted to Executive Officers and Directors participating 

in the Corporation’s Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan. 

14.  FINANCE EXPENSES 

The components of finance expenses are as follows:

Year ended Dec. 31, 

000’s

Cash: 

Interest on Non-Revolving One-Year Term Facility  
Interest on Non-Revolving Five-Year Term Facility  
Interest on revolving credit facilities 

Non-cash:
  Accretion on decommissioning obligations  
  Amortization of deferred financing fees  

Total finance expenses 

15.  SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS

Stock options:

2011 

2010

– 
2,113 
15,392 

17,505 

1,747 
889 

20,141 

700
–
12,753

13,453

1,414
1,646

16,513

The Corporation has established a stock-based compensation plan whereby directors, officers and employees may be granted 
options to purchase common shares at a fixed price not less than the fair market value of the stock at the time of grant, subject 
to certain conditions. Stock options granted under this plan vest over a three year period at the rate of one-third on each 
anniversary date of the stock option grant. All stock options granted are for a five year term. Each stock option entitles the 
holder to purchase one common share at the exercise price. The Corporation is authorized to issue stock options up to a maximum 
of 10% of the total issued and outstanding common shares pursuant to the Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan.

During 2011, the Corporation recorded $9.4 million (2010 – $7.8 million) of stock-based compensation expense, net 
of $4.6 million (2010 – $5.5 million) in capitalized amounts directly attributable to the exploration and development of the 
Corporation’s assets. In determining the stock-based compensation expense for options issued in 2011, the Corporation 
applied a weighted average estimated forfeiture rate of 15.6% (2010 – 17.4%).

At December 31, 2011, the Corporation’s Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan permitted the grant of options in respect 
of a maximum of 12,674,558 (2010 – 12,512,923) common shares. At December 31, 2011, there remained available for 
issuance options in respect of 2,207,617 (2010 – 3,265,403) common shares. For stock options exercised in 2011, the 
weighted average share trading price was $12.53 (2010 – $9.34) per share.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  87

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements:

15.  SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS (continued)

A summary of the outstanding stock options is presented below:

Outstanding, December 31, 2009 
  Granted 
  Exercised 
  Forfeited 

Outstanding, December 31, 2010 
  Granted 
  Exercised 
  Forfeited 

Outstanding, December 31, 2011 

Number 

Weighted average 
exercise price

7,710,253 
3,350,300 
(1,314,232) 
(498,801) 

9,247,520 
3,164,900 
(1,616,343) 
(329,136) 

10,466,941 

$

5.81
9.61
(4.63)
(7.41)

7.26
11.53
(5.57)
(9.81)

8.73

The weighted average fair value per option issued during 2011 was $5.36 (2010 - $4.62). The weighted average assump-
tions used in calculating the fair values are set forth below:

Year ended Dec. 31, 

Risk-free interest rate 
Option life (years) 
Expected volatility 
Dividend yield 

2011 

2010

2.2% 
 3.7 
 61.4% 
– 

1.9%
3.7
64.8%
–

A summary of the stock options outstanding and exercisable under the plan at December 31, 2011 is presented below:

  Exercise price 

Awards outstanding 

Low 

High 

Quantity 

Weighted 
Average 
Remaining 
Contractual Life 

Weighted 
Average 
Exercise Price 

Awards exercisable

Weighted 
Average 
Remaining 
Contractual Life 

Quantity 

  $3.87 
  $6.01 
  $9.01 
 $12.01 

$6.00 
$9.00 
$12.00 
$14.25 

2,610,639 
1,781,067 
5,512,435 
562,800 

10,466,941 

1.71 
1.68 
3.56 
3.43 

2.77 

$4.87 
$7.70 
$10.48 
$12.86 

1,793,556 
1,504,731 
939,886 
187,800 

$8.73 

4,425,973 

1.56 
1.45 
2.98 
1.53 

1.82 

Weighted 
Average 
Exercise Price

$4.80
$7.61
$9.82
$13.07

$7.17

Performance warrants:

On  January  14,  2005,  as  part  of  the  Corporation’s  initial  restructuring  to  become  a  public  entity,  the  Corporation  issued 
4,049,665 performance warrants with an exercise price of $3.00 and an expiration date of January 31, 2010 to members 
of its executive team. Each performance warrant entitles the holder to purchase one common share at the exercise price. 
Because the performance conditions were fulfilled in 2005, resulting in the performance warrants vesting, the full amount of 
the related compensation expense was recorded in net income in that year. On May 28, 2009, the Corporation’s outstanding 
performance warrants were amended to extend the expiration date from January 31, 2010 to January 31, 2015.

There were no performance warrants issued or exercised during 2011 and 2010. At December 31, 2011, there remained 
outstanding and exercisable 2,939,732 performance warrants (2010 – 2,939,732).

88  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
16.  CAPITAL MANAGEMENT 

The Corporation’s general policy is to maintain a sufficient capital base in order to manage its business in the most effective 
manner with the goal of increasing the value of its assets and thus its underlying share value. The Corporation’s objectives 
when managing capital are to maintain financial flexibility in order to preserve its ability to meet financial obligations, including 
potential obligations arising from additional acquisitions; to maintain a capital structure that allows Birchcliff to finance its 
growth strategy using primarily internally-generated cash flow and its available debt capacity; and to optimize the use of its 
capital to provide an appropriate investment return to its shareholders. 

There were no changes in the Corporation’s approach to capital management during 2011 and 2010. The following table 
shows the Corporation’s total available credit:

As at Dec. 31, 

000’s

Maximum borrowing base limit(1)(2): 
  Drawn Non-Revolving Five-Year Term Facility  
  Revolving credit facilities  

Principal amount utilized:
  Drawn Non-Revolving Five-Year Term Facility 
  Drawn revolving credit facilities  
  Outstanding letters of credit(3) 

Total unused credit  

2011 

2010

70,000 
450,000 

520,000 

–
375,000

375,000

(70,000) 
(323,221) 
(2,668) 

–

(339,176) 
(3,014)

(395,889) 

(342,190)

124,111 

32,810

1)  The Corporation’s credit facilities are subject to a semi-annual review of the borrowing base limit, which is directly impacted by the value of Birchcliff’s 

petroleum and natural gas reserves.

2)  The financial covenants applicable to the Corporation’s credit facilities includes a quarterly interest coverage ratio test, which is calculated as earnings before 
interest, taxes, stock-based compensation, depletion, depreciation and amortization over interest expense. The Corporation was compliant with all financial 
covenants applicable under its credit facilities as at and during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.

3)  Letters of credit are issued to various service providers. No amounts were drawn on the letters of credit as at and during the years ended December 31, 2011 

and 2010.

The capital structure of the Corporation is as follows:

As at Dec. 31, 

000’s

2011 

2010 

Change

Total shareholders’ equity(1) 

656,602 

599,140 

10%

Total shareholders’ equity as a % of total capital 

60% 

64% 

  Working capital deficit(2) 
  Drawn Non-Revolving Five-Year Term Facility 
  Drawn revolving credit facilities  

Total drawn debt 
Total drawn debt as a % of total capital 

Total capital 

48,598 
70,000 
323,221 

441,819 
40% 

1,098,421 

3,956 
– 
339,176 

343,132 
36% 

942,272 

29%

17%

1)  Shareholders’ equity is defined as share capital plus contributed surplus plus retained earnings, less any deficit.

2)  Working capital deficit is defined as current assets less current liabilities.

During 2011, total shareholders’ equity increased due to the exercise of options (Note 15) and an increase in net income for 
the period. Total debt increased from December 31, 2010 largely due to net capital spent in excess of cash flow in 2011.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  89

 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements:

17.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT CONTRACTS

Birchcliff is exposed to credit risk, liquidity risk and market risk as part of its normal course of business. The Board of Directors 
has overall responsibility for the establishment and oversight of the Corporation’s financial risk management framework and 
periodically reviews the results of all risk management activities and all outstanding positions. Management has implemented 
and monitors compliance with risk management guidelines as outlined by the Board of Directors. The Corporation’s risk 
management guidelines are established to identify and analyze the risks faced by the Corporation, to set appropriate risk limits 
and controls and to monitor risks and adherence to market conditions and the Corporation’s activities.

Credit risk:

Credit risk is the risk of financial loss to the Corporation if a customer or counterparty fails to meet its contractual obligation, 
and  arises  principally  from  Birchcliff’s  receivables  from  joint  venture  partners  and  oil  and  natural  gas  marketers.  Cash  is 
comprised of bank balances. Historically, the Corporation has not carried short term investments. Should this change in the 
future, counterparties will be selected based on credit ratings, management will monitor all investments to ensure a stable 
return and complex investment vehicles with higher risk will be avoided. The Corporation’s exposure to cash credit risk at the 
balance sheet date is very low.

The carrying amount of accounts receivable reflects management’s assessment of the credit risk associated with these customers. 
The following table illustrates the Corporation’s maximum exposure for accounts receivable:

As at Dec. 31, 

000’s

Marketers(1) 
Joint interest partners and other 

Total accounts receivable 

2011 

2010

22,563 
15,136 

37,699 

20,800
18,441

39,241

1)  At December 31, 2011, approximately 33% of the Corporation’s total accounts receivable was due from one marketer (2010 – 22%, one marketer). During 
2011, the Corporation received 13%, 49%, 14% and 14% of its revenue, respectively, from four core marketers. The Corporation received the majority of its 
revenue in 2010 from four marketers, who individually accounted for 14%, 43%, 14% and 14%, respectively.

Typically, Birchcliff’s maximum credit exposure from its marketers is revenue from two months of commodity sales. Receivables 
from marketers are normally collected on the 25th day of the month following production. Birchcliff mitigates the credit risk 
associated with these receivables by establishing marketing relationships with credit worthy purchasers, obtaining guarantees 
from their ultimate parent companies and obtaining letters of credit as appropriate. The Corporation historically has not expe-
rienced any material collection issues with its marketers.

At December 31, 2011, approximately $0.5 million or 1% (2010 – $0.4 million or 1%) of Birchcliff’s total accounts receivable 
are aged over 120 days and considered past due. The majority of these accounts are due from various joint interest partners. 
Birchcliff attempts to mitigate the credit risk from joint interest receivables by obtaining pre-approval of significant capital 
expenditures. However, the receivables are from participants in the oil and natural gas sector, and collection of the outstanding 
balances is dependent on industry factors such as commodity price fluctuations, escalating costs and the risk of unsuccess-
ful drilling. In addition, further risk exists with joint interest partners as disagreements occasionally arise that increases the 
potential for non-collection. The Corporation does not typically obtain collateral from petroleum and natural gas marketers or 
joint interest partners; however, the Corporation does have the ability to withhold production from joint interest partners in 
the event of non-payment.

Should Birchcliff determine that the ultimate collection of a receivable is in doubt, it will provide the necessary provision in 
its allowance for doubtful accounts with a corresponding charge to income. If the Corporation subsequently determines 
an account is uncollectible, the account is written off with a corresponding charge to the allowance for doubtful accounts. 
Birchcliff did not have an allowance for doubtful accounts balance as at December 31, 2011 and 2010.

90  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
17.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT CONTRACTS (continued)

Liquidity risk:

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Corporation will not be able to meet its obligations associated with financial liabilities that are 
settled by cash as they become due. Birchcliff’s approach to managing liquidity is to ensure, as much as possible, that it will 
have sufficient liquidity to meet its short term and long term financial obligations when due, under both normal and unusual 
conditions without incurring unacceptable losses or risking harm to the Corporation’s reputation.

All of the Corporation’s contractual financial liabilities are to be settled in cash. Typically, the Corporation ensures that it has 
sufficient cash on demand to meet expected operational expenses, including the servicing of financial obligations. To achieve 
this objective, the Corporation prepares annual capital expenditure budgets, which are approved by the Board of Directors 
and are regularly reviewed and updated as considered necessary. Petroleum and natural gas production is monitored daily 
and is used to provide monthly cash flow estimates. Further, the Corporation utilizes authorizations for expenditures on both 
operated and non-operated projects to manage capital expenditure. The Corporation also attempts to match its payment cycle 
with collection of petroleum and natural gas revenue on the 25th of each month.

To facilitate the capital expenditure program, the Corporation has reserve-based bank credit facilities which are reviewed semi-
annually by the lender. The principal amount utilized under the Corporation’s total credit facilities at December 31, 2011 was 
$395.9 million (2010 – $342.2 million) and $124.1 million (2010 – $32.8 million) in unused credit was available at the 
end of the period to fund future obligations.

The following table lists the contractual obligations of the Corporation’s financial liabilities at December 31, 2011:

000’s

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 
Drawn revolving credit facilities  
Drawn Non-Revolving Five-Year Term Facility 

Total financial liabilities 

Market risk:

2012 

2013 

2014 - 2016

88,602 
– 
– 

88,602 

– 
– 
700 

700 

–
323,221
69,300

392,521

Market risk is the risk that changes in market conditions, such as commodity prices, exchange rates and interest rates, will 
affect the Corporation’s net income or the value of its financial instruments, if any. The objective of market risk management 
is to manage and control exposures within acceptable limits, while maximizing returns. These risks are consistent with prior 
years. All risk management transactions are conducted within risk management tolerances that are reviewed by the Board of 
Directors.

Commodity price risk:

Commodity price risk is the risk that the fair value of future cash flows will fluctuate as a result of changes in commodity 
prices. Significant changes in commodity prices can materially impact the Corporation’s borrowing base limit. Lower commodity 
prices can also reduce the Corporation’s ability to raise capital. Commodity prices for petroleum and natural gas are not only 
influenced by Canadian (“CDN”) and United States (“US”) demand, but also by world events that dictate the levels of supply 
and demand.

The Corporation may attempt to mitigate commodity price risk through the use of financial derivatives such as commodity 
price risk management contracts. Birchcliff had no risk management contracts in place as at or during the years ended 
December 31, 2011 and 2010. The Corporation actively monitors the market to determine whether any commodity price risk 
management contracts are warranted.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  91

 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements:

17.  FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT CONTRACTS (continued)

Foreign currency risk:

Foreign currency risk is the risk that future cash flows will fluctuate as a result of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. 
The exchange rate effect cannot be quantified but generally an increase in the value of the CDN dollar as compared to the 
US dollar will reduce the prices received by Birchcliff for its petroleum and natural gas sales. The Corporation had no forward 
exchange rate contracts in place as at or during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.

Interest rate risk:

Interest rate risk is the risk that future cash flows will fluctuate as a result of changes in market interest rates. The Corporation’s 
credit facilities are exposed to interest rate cash flow risk on a floating interest rate due to fluctuations in market interest rates. 
The remainder of Birchcliff’s financial assets and liabilities are not exposed directly to interest rate risk.

A 1% change in the CDN prime interest rate during 2011 would have increased (decreased) net income and comprehensive 
income by approximately $2.5 million (2010 - $1.8 million), assuming that all other variables remain constant. A sensitivity 
of 1% is considered reasonable given the current level of the bank prime rate and market expectations for future movements. 
The Corporation considers this risk to be limited and thus does not hedge its interest rate risk. The Corporation had no interest 
rate swap contracts in place as at or during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.

Fair value of financial instruments:

Birchcliff’s financial instruments include cash, accounts receivable, deposits, accounts payable and accrued liabilities and out-
standing credit facilities. All of Birchcliff’s financial instruments are transacted in active markets. Financial instruments carried 
at fair value are assessed using the following hierarchy based on the amount of observable inputs used to value the instrument:

(cid:2)  Level 1 – Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date. Active markets 
are those in which transactions occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.
(cid:2)  Level 2 – Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1. Prices in Level 2 are either directly 
or indirectly observable as of the reporting date. Level 2 valuations are based on inputs, including quoted forward prices for 
commodities, time value and volatility factors, which can be substantially observed or corroborated in the marketplace.
(cid:2)  Level 3 – Valuations in this level are those with inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data.

Assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the 
placement within the fair value hierarchy level. The carrying value and fair value of financial instruments at December 31, 
2011 is disclosed below by financial instrument category, as well as any related loss or interest expense for the period:

$000’s

Assets held for trading: 
  Cash(1)  
Loans and receivables: 
  Accounts receivable(2)  
  Deposits(2) 
Other liabilities: 
  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities(2)  
  Drawn Non-Revolving Five-Year Term Facility(3) 
  Drawn revolving credit facilities(3) 

1)  Cash is reported at fair value, based on a Level 1 designation.

Carrying value 

Fair value 

Loss 

Interest expense

65 

65 

37,699 
1,611 

88,602 
70,000 
323,221 

37,699 
1,611 

88,602 
70,000 
323,221 

– 

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

–

–
–

–
2,113
15,392

2)  Accounts receivable, deposits and accounts payable and accrued liabilities are reported at amortized cost. Due to the short term nature of accounts receivable, 

deposits and accounts payable and accrued liabilities, their carrying values approximate their fair values.

3)  The Corporation’s credit facilities bear interest at a floating rate and accordingly the fair market value approximates the carrying value before the carrying value 

is reduced for any remaining unamortized costs.

92  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
18.  PER SHARE INFORMATION

Basic income per share was calculated as follows:

As at Dec. 31, 

Net income ($000’s) 

Weighted average common shares:

Issued common shares at January 1 

  Exercise of stock options 

Weighted average common shares (basic) 

Income per share (basic) 

Diluted income per share was calculated as follows:

As at Dec. 31, 

Net income ($000’s) 

Weighted average common shares:
  Weighted average common shares (basic) 
  Effects of outstanding options 

Weighted average common shares (diluted) 

Income per share (diluted) 

2011 

2010

34,454 

34,163

125,129,234 
1,153,676 

123,815,002
814,759

126,282,910 

124,629,761

$0.27 

$0.27

2011 

2010

34,454 

34,163

126,282,910 
5,161,968 

124,629,761
3,890,307

131,444,878 

128,520,068

$0.26 

$0.27

The weighted average diluted common shares outstanding for 2011 excludes 429,000 (2010 – 2,886,200) of stock options 
that are anti-dilutive. The average market value of the Corporation’s shares for the purpose of calculating the dilutive effect 
of stock options and performance warrants was based on average quoted market prices for the period that the options and 
warrants were outstanding.

19.  COMMITMENTS

The Corporation is committed under an operating lease relating to its office premises beginning December 1, 2007 which 
expires on November 30, 2017. Birchcliff does not use all of the leased space and has sublet approximately 24% of the 
excess space to an arm’s length party on a basis that recovers all of the rental costs for the first five years. The Corporation is 
committed to the following aggregate minimum lease payments (not reduced by rents receivable by the Corporation): 

Year 

$000’s

2012 
2013 
2014 
2015 
2016 
2017 

Amount

3,187
3,295
3,295
3,295
3,295
3,018

The  Corporation  is  also  committed  to  spend  approximately  $23.4  million  in  2012  under  various  purchasing  agreements 
relating to the construction of Phase III of its wholly owned Pouce Coupe South natural gas plant which would increase total 
processing capacity from 60 MMcf per day to 120 MMcf per day in the fourth quarter of 2012.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  93

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the financial statements:

20.  SUPPLEMENTARY CASH FLOW INFORMATION 

Year ended Dec. 31, 

000’s

Provided by (used in): 
  Accounts receivable 
  Prepaid expenses and deposits 
  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 

Provided by (used in): 
  Operating 
Investing 

21.  CONTINGENT LIABILITY 

2011 

2010

1,542 
421 
37,882 

39,845 

13,128 
26,717 

39,845 

(9,577)
1,974
(4,009)

(11,612)

1,429
(13,041)

(11,612)

The Corporation’s 2006 and 2007 income tax filings have been reassessed by the Canada Revenue Agency (“CRA”). The 
reassessments are based on the CRA’s determination that the tax pools available to Veracel Inc. (“Veracel”), prior to the 
amalgamation, ceased to be available to Birchcliff after the amalgamation. The tax pools under review total $39.3 million. 
Birchcliff has objected to the reassessments. The resolution of the disputed assessments may impact deferred income tax 
expense but will not impact cash taxes payable by the Corporation. Management believes that it will be successful in defending 
its tax position respecting the Veracel transaction, and as such, the Corporation has not recognized a related provision for 
deferred income tax liability at December 31, 2011.

22.  TRANSITION TO INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL REPORTING STANDARDS

The IFRS accounting policies as disclosed in Note 3 of these financial statements have been applied in preparing the compara-
tive financial statements as at and for the year ended December 31, 2010 and an opening Statement of Financial Position as 
at January 1, 2010 (the “transition date”). In preparing the 2010 comparative financial statements, the Corporation adjusted 
amounts previously reported in the annual financial statements prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP.

IFRS 1 First-time Adoption of IFRS requires the presentation of comparative information as at the transition date and subse-
quent 2010 comparative periods as well as the consistent and retrospective application of IFRS accounting policies. To assist 
with the transition, the provisions of IFRS 1 allow for mandatory and optional exemptions for first-time adopters to alleviate 
the retrospective application of certain IFRS policies as discussed below.

An explanation of how the transition from Canadian GAAP to IFRS has affected the Corporation’s financial position and financial 
performance is illustrated in the following reconciliations. Certain amounts in these financial statement reconciliations have 
been reclassified, where applicable, to conform to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements.

94  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As at Jan. 1, 2010 

000’s

ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash 
  Accounts receivable  
  Prepaid expenses and deposits  

Non-current assets:
  Deferred financing fees 
  Deferred income taxes 
  Exploration and evaluation 
  Petroleum and natural gas properties and equipment 

Total assets 

LIABILITIES
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payables and accrued liabilities 

Non-current liabilities:
  Revolving credit facilities  
  Decommissioning obligations 
  Deferred income taxes 

Total liabilities 

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  Share capital  
  Contributed surplus  
  Deficit 

Total shareholders’ equity and liabilities 

Reconciliation of the statement of  
financial position from Canadian GAAP to IFRS:

GAAP 

Effect of 
transition 
to IFRS 

Notes 

IFRS

140 
29,665 
4,635 

34,440 

245 
– 
– 
802,423 

802,668 

837,108 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
1,152 
640 
(640) 

1,152 

1,152 

140
29,665
4,635

34,440

245
1,152
640
801,783

803,820

838,260

(h) 
(a) 
(a) 

54,731 

– 

54,731

201,230 
24,713 
1,873 

227,816 

282,547 

541,593 
20,315 
(7,347) 

554,561 

837,108 

– 
11,984 
(1,873) 

10,111 

10,111 

4,082 
2,513 
(15,554) 

(8,959) 

1,152 

(b) 
(h) 

(g) 
(c) 

201,230
36,697
–

237,927

292,658

545,675
22,828
(22,901)

545,602

838,260

RECONCILIATIONS FROM CANADIAN GAAP TO IFRS  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  95

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reconciliation of the statement of  
financial position from Canadian GAAP to IFRS:

As at Dec. 31, 2010 

000’s

ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash 
  Accounts receivable  
  Prepaid expenses and deposits  

Non-current assets:
  Exploration and evaluation  
  Petroleum and natural gas properties and equipment 

Total assets 

LIABILITIES
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payables and accrued liabilities 

Non-current liabilities:
  Revolving credit facilities  
  Decommissioning obligations  
  Deferred income taxes 

Total liabilities 

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  Share capital  
  Contributed surplus  
  Retained earnings (deficit) 

Total shareholders’ equity and liabilities 

GAAP 

Effect of 
transition 
to IFRS 

Notes 

IFRS

4,863 
39,241 
2,661 

46,765 

– 
948,626 

948,626 

995,391 

– 
– 
– 

– 

1,540 
41,624 

43,164 

43,164 

(a) 
(a),(b),(d)-(f) 

4,863
39,241
2,661

46,765

1,540
990,250

991,790

1,038,555

50,721 

– 

50,721

333,468 
26,448 
7,631 

367,547 

418,268 

550,472 
28,096 
(1,445) 

577,123 

995,391 

– 
15,658 
5,489 

21,147 

21,147 

3,947 
5,363 
12,707 

22,017 

43,164 

(b) 
(h) 

(g) 
(c) 

333,468
42,106
13,120

388,694

439,415

554,419
33,459
11,262

599,140

1,038,555

96  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  RECONCILIATIONS FROM CANADIAN GAAP TO IFRS

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended Dec. 31, 2010 

000’s

REVENUE
  Petroleum and natural gas 
  Royalties 

EXPENSES
  Operating  
  Transportation and marketing  
  Administrative, net 
  Depletion and depreciation  
  Finance  

(Gain) on sale of assets 

Reconciliation of the statement of net income and  
comprehensive income from Canadian GAAP to IFRS:

GAAP 

Effect of 
transition 
to IFRS 

Notes 

IFRS

189,978 
(16,933) 

173,045 

36,745 
12,359 
20,714 
74,636 
16,932 
– 

161,386 

– 
– 

– 

(490) 
– 
2,780 
(23,120) 
(419) 
(15,528) 

(36,777) 

(e) 

(c),(f) 
 (e) 
(b) 
(d) 

189,978
(16,933)

173,045

36,255
12,359
23,494
51,516
16,513
(15,528)

124,609

48,436

INCOME BEFORE TAXES  

11,659 

36,777 

  Deferred income tax expense 

5,757 

8,516 

(h) 

14,273

NET INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 

5,902 

28,261 

34,163

RECONCILIATIONS FROM CANADIAN GAAP TO IFRS  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  97

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reconciliation of the statement of cash flows  
from Canadian GAAP to IFRS:

Year ended Dec. 31, 2010 

000’s

Cash provided by (used in): 

GAAP 

Effect of 
transition 
to IFRS 

Notes 

IFRS

OPERATING
  Net income 
  Adjustments for items not affecting operating cash: 

5,902 

28,261 

  Depletion and depreciation  
  Stock-based compensation 
  Finance  

(Gain) on sale of assets 
  Deferred income taxes 
Interest paid 

  Decommissioning expenditures 
  Changes in non-cash working capital 

FINANCING
  Exercise of stock options  
  Deferred financing fees paid  
  Revolving credit facilities  

INVESTING 
  Acquisition of petroleum and natural gas  

  properties and equipment 

  Sale of petroleum and natural gas properties  

  and equipment  

  Additions of exploration and evaluation assets  
  Development of petroleum and natural gas  

  properties and equipment  

 Changes in non-cash working capital 

NET CHANGE IN CASH  

CASH, BEGINNING OF YEAR 

CASH, END OF YEAR 

74,636 
10,577 
16,932 
– 
5,757 
(13,453) 
(902) 
1,429 

100,878 

6,084 
(1,268) 
32,104 

136,920 

(2,051) 

17,511 
– 

(235,494) 
(13,041) 

(233,075) 

4,723 

140 

4,863 

(e) 
(c),(f) 
(b) 
(d) 
(h) 

(a) 

(a),(b),(d)-(f) 

(23,120) 
(2,820) 
(419) 
(15,528) 
8,516 
– 
– 
– 

(5,110) 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

– 
(878) 

5,988 
– 

5,110 

– 

– 

– 

34,163

51,516
7,757
16,513
(15,528)
14,273
(13,453)
(902)
1,429

95,768

6,084
(1,268)
132,104

136,920

(2,051)

17,511
(878)

(229,506)
(13,041)

(227,965)

4,723

140

4,863

98  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  RECONCILIATION FROM CANADIAN GAAP TO IFRS

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the reconciliations from Canadian GAAP to IFRS:

The  following  discussion  explains  the  significant  differences  between  Birchcliff’s  Canadian  GAAP  accounting  policies  and 
those applied by the Corporation under IFRS. IFRS policies have been retrospectively and consistently applied except where 
specific IFRS 1 optional and mandatory exemptions permitted an alternative treatment upon transition to IFRS for first-time 
adopters. The note captions below correspond to the adjustments presented in the preceding reconciliations.

In preparing the 2010 comparative financial statements in accordance with IFRS 1, the Corporation has applied the following 
optional exemptions from full retrospective application of IFRS:

(cid:2)  IFRS 1 – Deemed Cost Election for Full Cost Oil and Gas Reporting Entities;
(cid:2)  IFRS 2 – Share-based Payments; and
(cid:2)  IAS 37 – Decommissioning Obligations 

Hindsight was not used to create or revise estimates and accordingly the estimates previously made by the Corporation 
under Canadian GAAP are consistent with their application under IFRS. The remaining IFRS 1 exemptions were not 
applicable or material to the preparation of the Corporation’s Statement of Financial Position at the date of transition to IFRS 
on January 1, 2010.

a)  IFRS 1 Deemed Cost Election for Full Cost Oil and Gas Reporting Entities:

The Corporation has elected to use the IFRS 1 exemption, whereby the petroleum and natural gas properties and equipment 
balance,  as  determined  under  Canadian  GAAP,  is  allocated  to  the  IFRS  categories  of  exploration  and  evaluation  costs 
and development and production costs. Under the exemption, for assets in the development and production phases, the 
amounts were allocated (on an area basis) to the underlying IFRS transitional assets on a pro-rata basis using proved plus 
probable reserve volumes as of the transition date. Exploration and evaluation assets were recorded at amounts previously 
recorded under Canadian GAAP.

Under IFRS, exploration and evaluation costs are those expenditures for an area where technical feasibility and commer-
cial viability has not yet been determined. Development and production costs include those expenditures for areas where 
technical feasibility and commercial viability has been determined and are included in the general balance of petroleum 
and natural gas properties and equipment.

Exploration and evaluation assets at January 1, 2010 were deemed to be $0.6 million representing the unproved proper-
ties related to exploratory assets balance under Canadian GAAP. This resulted in a reclassification of $0.6 million from 
petroleum and natural gas properties and equipment to exploration and evaluation assets as at the transition date. As at 
December 31, 2010, the Corporation’s exploration and evaluation assets totalled $1.5 million. These exploration activities 
were pending the determination of economic quantities of commercially producible proven reserves. As such, no costs have 
been reclassified from exploration and evaluation to petroleum and natural gas properties and equipment as at and during 
the year ended December 31, 2010.

The Corporation performed an impairment test on its exploration and evaluation assets and petroleum and natural gas 
properties and equipment to assess for recoverability. The recoverable amount of Birchcliff’s assets were estimated based 
on discounted pre-tax cash flows from proved plus probable reserves, taking into consideration future commodity prices 
and future development costs, as obtained from the Corporation’s independent reserve report. Based on the above assess-
ment, Birchcliff’s assets were not impaired on transition to IFRS and as at December 31, 2010.

b)  Decommissioning obligations:

The  Corporation  has  elected  to  measure  decommissioning  obligations  (formerly  known  as  asset  retirement  obligations 
under Canadian GAAP) on transition to IFRS in accordance with IAS 37 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent 
Assets and recognize directly in the deficit the difference between that amount and the carrying amount of those obligations 
determined under Canadian GAAP at the transition date. Because of the IFRS 1 deemed cost exemption described above, 
no adjustment to petroleum and natural gas properties and equipment was recorded on transition to IFRS. Under Canadian 
GAAP, accretion on decommissioning obligations was included in depletion and depreciation expense. Under IFRS, accretion 
expense is included in finance expenses.

NOTES TO THE RECONCILIATIONS  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  99

 
Notes to the reconciliations from Canadian GAAP to IFRS:

b)  Decommissioning obligations (continued):

Under  Canadian  GAAP,  decommissioning  obligations  were  discounted  at  a  credit-adjusted  risk-free  rate  of  8%.  Under 
IFRS, the estimated cash flow to abandon and remediate both wells and facilities has been risk-adjusted and therefore the 
provision was discounted at a pre-tax risk-free rate of 4% at transition and during 2010 based on Government of Canada 
long-term bonds.

The application of IAS 37 resulted in a $12.0 million increase to decommissioning obligations with a corresponding 
increase to the Corporation’s deficit at the date of transition. This resulted in a $3.0 million decrease to the deferred income 
tax liability with a corresponding decrease to the Corporation’s deficit at the date of transition. Accretion expense decreased 
in 2010 by $0.4 million from the amounts previously recorded under Canadian GAAP.

c)  Share-based payments:

The Corporation has elected to apply IFRS 2 Share-based Payments to equity instruments granted after November 7, 2002 
that has not vested by the transition date. Under Canadian GAAP, stock-based compensation expense was disclosed as a 
separate line item in profit or loss. Under IFRS, stock-based compensation expense is included in administrative expenses.

Under Canadian GAAP, the fair value of stock options was calculated using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model for each 
option grant and the resulting expense was recognized on a straight-line basis over the three year vesting period at a rate of 
one-third on each anniversary date of the stock option grant. Forfeitures of stock options were recognized as they occurred.

Under IFRS, each vesting tranche of an option grant with different vesting dates was considered a separate grant for the 
calculation of fair value. This resulted in accelerated expense recognition which attributed higher stock-based compensation 
expense in early years of an option grant and less expense in later years. Birchcliff also applied an estimated forfeiture rate 
at the initial grant date. The forfeiture rate is taken into account by adjusting the number of stock options expected to vest 
under each vesting tranche and subsequently revising this estimate throughout the vesting period, as necessary. When 
determining the fair value of each vesting tranche under IFRS, Birchcliff applied an estimated weighted average option life 
for each respective tranche which reflects historical experiences. Under Canadian GAAP, the option life was equal to the 
expiry period of five years.

The application of IFRS 2 resulted in a $2.5 million increase to contributed surplus with a corresponding increase to the 
Corporation’s deficit at the date of transition. Stock-based compensation expense increased in 2010 by $2.8 million from 
the amounts previously recorded under Canadian GAAP.

d)  Gain on sale of assets:

Under Canadian GAAP, proceeds from the sale of assets were applied in full against petroleum and natural gas properties 
and equipment, with no gain or loss recognized, unless such a sale would change the rate of depletion and depreciation by 
20 percent or more. Under IFRS, a gain or loss is recorded when petroleum and natural gas properties and equipment are 
sold. There was no impact of this policy on the transition date due to the IFRS 1 deemed cost exemption discussed above.

The above accounting policy difference resulted in a gain of $15.5 million, as a result of a sale of a minor non-producing 
asset in March 2010, with a corresponding increase to petroleum and natural gas properties and equipment in 2010. No 
gain or loss was recorded on the sale of these assets under Canadian GAAP.

e)  Depletion and depreciation:

Under Canadian GAAP, the Corporation depleted the full cost pool based on the unit of production method using proved 
reserves for each country cost centre. Under IAS 16 Property, Plant & Equipment, the Corporation has elected to deplete its 
development and production costs (excluding plant turnaround costs) on an area basis using the unit of production method 
over proved plus probable reserves. Exploration and evaluation costs are not amortized under IFRS.

100  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  NOTES TO THE RECONCILIATIONS

 
e)  Depletion and depreciation (continued):

Under GAAP, plant turnaround costs were recognized as an expense in the period incurred and included in operating 
expenses in profit or loss. Under IFRS, plant turnaround costs are capitalized and depreciated on a straight-line basis over 
the estimated time until the next turnaround is completed.

The above accounting policy differences resulted in a decrease to depletion and depreciation of $23.1 million in 2010 from 
amounts previously reported under Canadian GAAP.

f)  Administrative expenses:

Administrative expenses includes the total cash remuneration from salaries and benefits paid to directors, officers, employees 
and consultants of the Corporation, other general business expenses and non-cash stock-based compensation, net of any 
capitalized  portions  thereof.  Under  Canadian  GAAP,  “capitalized  overhead”  related  to  estimated  time  spent  on  capital 
projects  by  engineering,  land,  accounting  and  operations  and  was  based  on  an  industry  standard  overhead  charge  per 
Authorization for Expenditure. Stock-based compensation was not capitalized under Canadian GAAP. Under IFRS, capital-
ized overhead includes a portion of salaries and benefits that are “directly” attributable to the exploration and development 
of the Corporation’s assets. This varies in some respects from the amounts recorded under Canadian GAAP. In addition, 
under IFRS, Birchcliff has capitalized a portion of stock-based compensation directly attributable to the exploration and 
development of its assets.

These accounting policy differences resulted in an increase to net general and administrative expenses (cash) by $5.6 
million in 2010 from amounts previously reported under Canadian GAAP. In addition, the Corporation capitalized non-cash 
stock-based compensation totalling $5.5 million for 2010.

g)  Share capital:

Under Canadian GAAP, the proceeds from the issuance of flow-through shares are recognized as shareholders’ equity. The 
tax basis of assets related to expenditures incurred to satisfy flow-through share obligations is reduced when the renunciation 
of the related tax pools occurs which then increases the deferred income tax liability and reduces share capital.

Under IFRS, the amount recorded to share capital from the issuance of flow-through shares reflects the fair market value 
of “regular” common shares. The difference between the total value of a flow-through share issuance and the fair market 
value  of  regular  common  share  issuance  (premium)  is  initially  accrued  as  a  deferred  obligation  when  the  flow-through 
shares are issued. Pursuant to the terms of the flow-through share agreements, the tax deductions associated with the 
expenditures are renounced to the subscribers. Accordingly, as the expenditures are incurred, a deferred tax liability is 
recorded equal to the estimated amount of deferred income taxes payable by the Corporation and the obligation on issuance 
of flow-through shares is reduced, and the difference is recognized in profit or loss. There is no impact to share capital on 
renunciation of flow-through shares.

The above accounting policy difference resulted in an increase to share capital of $4.3 million with a corresponding 
increase to deficit at the transition date. The Corporation had no deferred obligation with respect to the issuance of 
flow-through shares at the transition date.

h)  Income taxes:

The adjustments discussed above resulted in a change in deferred income tax assets and liabilities based on Birchcliff’s 
effective tax rate. The Corporation recorded a decrease in deferred tax liabilities of $3.0 million at January 1, 2010 and an 
increase in deferred tax liabilities of $5.5 million at December 31, 2010 from amounts previously reported under Canadian 
GAAP. Additional deferred income tax expense of $8.5 million was recorded under IFRS in 2010.

NOTES TO THE RECONCILIATIONS  \\  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  101

 
Corporate information:

OFFICERS

A. Jeffery Tonken
President & Chief Executive Officer

Myles R. Bosman
Vice President, Exploration & Chief Operating Officer

Bruno P. Geremia
Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

David M. Humphreys
Vice President, Operations

Karen A. Pagano 
Vice President, Engineering 

James W. Surbey
Vice President, Corporate Development

DIRECTORS

Larry A. Shaw(1)(2)(3)
Chairman of the Board 
Calgary, Alberta

Gordon W. Cameron(1)(2)(3)
Calgary, Alberta

Kenneth N. Cullen(1)(2)(3)
Calgary, Alberta

Werner A. Siemens(1)(2)(3)
Calgary, Alberta

A. Jeffery Tonken
President & Chief Executive Officer 
Calgary, Alberta

1)  Member of the Audit Committee
2)  Member of the Compensation Committee 
3)  Member of the Reserves Evaluation Committee

SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING

The Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held at 3:00 pm on 
Wednesday, May 16th, 2012 in the Devonian Room of the Calgary 
Petroleum Club, 319 – 5th Avenue S.W., Calgary, Alberta.

102  BIRCHCLIFF ENERGY LTD. 2011  \\  CORPORATE INFORMATION

Solicitors:
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
Calgary, Alberta

Auditors:
KPMG LLP
Chartered Accountants 
Calgary, Alberta

Reserves evaluator:
Deloitte & Touche LLP (AJM Deloitte)
Calgary, Alberta

Bankers:
The Bank of Nova Scotia 
HSBC Bank Canada 
Alberta Treasury Branch 
Union Bank  
The Toronto Dominion Bank

Transfer agent:
Olympia Trust Company
Calgary, Alberta

Stock exchange listing:
TSX Exchange
Symbol: BIR

Head office:
500, 630 – 4th Avenue S.W. 
Calgary, Alberta T2P 0J9 
Phone:  403-261-6401 
403-261-6424
Fax: 

Spirit River office:
5604 – 49th Avenue 
Spirit River, Alberta T0H 3G0 
Phone:  780-864-4624 
780-864-4628
Fax: 

Email: 
www.birchcliffenergy.com

info@birchcliffenergy.com 

Thank you:
Birchcliff would like to thank Jerilyn McLeod for  
the beautiful photography in this 2011 annual report. 
Executive portraits: Trudie Lee Photography

 
BIRTEAM

BRETTON  ABERNETHY,  DANIELLE  ARMSTRONG,  CAMILLE  ASHTON,  RAINER  AUGSTEN,  GATES 
AURIGEMMA, AL BASNETT, BILL BAXTER, CHARMAINE BELLEY, TIM BERG, AMBER BOISVERT, MYLES 
BOSMAN, BRADLEY BOUCK, DAVID BOYLE, JUDY BRAZER, PETER BRIMACOMBE, SHAUNA BRISBOIS, 
WAYNE  BROWN,  SCOTTY  CAMERON,  CHRIS  CARLSEN,  ROBERT  CHARCHUK,  DAVID  CHRISTENSEN, 
BOB CLARK, WENDY CLAY, RORY COLLINS, LAURA CONROY, MIKE CORDINGLEY, KEN CULLEN, BRAD 
CULVER,  KRYSTAL  DAFOE,  JODY  DENIS,  LEANNE  DESBARATS,  CINDY  DESMARAIS,  JESSE  DOENZ, 
KELLEN  DOENZ,  RANDY  DORSCHEID,  KATHY  FAIRBURN,  LAURA  FERGUSON,  TRISHA  FLANAGAN, 
TONYA FLEMING, GORDON FORBES, HEATHER FRAESE, GRANT FRIESEN, JARED FRIESEN, ALAN FRITZ, 
SHERRY  FROST,  GEORGE  FUKUSHIMA,  RANDY  FUNDYTUS,  BRUNO  GEREMIA,  MELINA  GEREMIA, 
MELODIE  GILKER,  CHAD  GODDARD,  JOLANDA  GOERTZEN,  BOB  GRISACK,  LINDSAY  GROPP,  NEIL 
GUENTER,  GRANT  GUIDI,  SARAH  GUTHRIE,  RATHA  HALFORD,  SAM  HAMPTON,  PAUL  HAYWARD, 
KOLTEN HELGESEN, LORNA HILDEBRAND , JACK HINGLEY, JASEN HOLMSTROM, DARYL HUDAK, DAVE 
HUMPHREYS,  MICHELLE  JACKSON,  DEREK  JAMIESON,  DAVE  JOHNSON,  STACY  JOHNSON,  DUSTIN 
KELM, CLAIRE KNIGHT, DIANE KNOBLAUCH, JOE KOCSIS, HEATHER KWIATKOWSKI, DANI LAIRD, BENO 
LANINGA, MELONY LAUZON, JOE LYSTE, BOB MACLEAN, DALLAS MACLEAN, TYSON MAGNOWSKI, DAN 
MASUCH, JEFF MCANDREWS, HOLLY MCFARLANE, DEB MCFEE, ANGIE MCGONIGAL, DARIN MCLARTY, 
JERILYN  MCLEOD,  DANIELLE  MCPHEE,  MELISSA  MEYERS-FRASZ,  AL  MICHETTI,  DEREK  MICHETTI, 
CRISTIAN  MOANGHER,  ROY  MODRALL,  TYLER  MONTPELLIER,  RON  MORGAN,  SHAUN  MOSKALYK, 
STEVE MUELLER, MCKENZIE MURDOCH, ED MURPHY, SARAH NANCE, JOANNE NEMETH, MICHAEL NG, 
MARCEL NJONGWE, TODD OIKLE, ANGELA OLIVIER, KAREN PAGANO, BRUCE PALMER, BILL PARTRIDGE, 
PAUL PASCO, DEAN PATERSON, BRENDA PEARSON, COLIN PENNER, BARRY PETERS, ALLAN PICKEL, 
LINDSAY  POSTMA,  DEREK  RAE,  USHA  RAMANUJAM,  TYLER  REID,  LYNN  REID-BICKNELL,  AIDAN 
RICHARDSON, DALE RICHARDSON, JIMMY ROCHE, MEGAN ROCHE, MICHELLE RODGERSON, JORDAN 
ROSSWORM,  RICHARD  ROUBLE,  TODD  SAJTOVICH,  LEE  SALLENBACH,  VICTOR  SANDHAWALIA,  DON 
SCHAREIN,  ANDREAS  SCHEEL,  MIRANDA  SHARPE,  LARRY  SHAW,  VERN  SIEMENS,  NICKOLAS  SIZER, 
CRESTA SNOW, CHRIS SORENSON, MEREDITH ST. JOHN, BEN STEVENSON, BOB STINN, DARBY STOLK, 
TRACEY  SUCHLANDT,  JIM  SURBEY,  COREY  THORSON,  JEFF  TONKEN,  GILLIAN  TOPPING,  HUE  TRAN, 
TAMMY TRAN, TREVOR TRUDEAU, KARA TURNER, THEO VAN DER WERKEN, CHAD VAN IDERSTINE, 
DAVID  WALKER,  MATTHEW  WEISS,  GREG  WILLSON,  DARYL  WINNICKY,  CHRIS  WURZ,  JOHN  YEO, 
RHONDA YURCHYSHYN, STEVE ZYLINSKI, VINCE ZYLINSKI

TSX:BIR

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