October 5, 2005 Mr. David A. Dyck Chief Financial Officer Western Oil Sands Inc. Ernst & Young Tower, Suite 2400 440 Second Avenue S.W. Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 5E9 	Re:	Western Oil Sands 		Form 40-F for Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2004 Filed April 1, 2005 File No. 333-90736 Dear Mr. Dyck: We have completed our review of your Form 40-F and related filings and do not, at this time, have any further comments. 								Sincerely, 								Jill S. Davis 								Branch Chief ?? ?? ?? ?? Mr./Ms. Company Name Date, 2005 page 1 UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 100 F Street, NE WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549-7010 DIVISION OF CORPORATION FINANCE MAIL STOP 7010