EXHIBIT 5.3 ----------- OUTTRIM SZABO ASSOCIATES LTD. Calgary, Alberta Petroleum Consultants - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1430, 311 - 6th Avenue S.W., Phone (403) 266-8680 Fax (403) 266-1887 Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 3H2 July 28, 2003 Baytex Energy Ltd. 2200, 205 - 5th Avenue S.W. Calgary, Alberta T2P 2V7 ATTENTION: Mr. Ryan Chong RE: FORM F-10 Dear Sir: We hereby consent to the use of our name in this Registration Statement on Form F-10 of Baytex Energy Ltd. and in the prospectus contained in the Registration Statement as it appears in the Documents Incorporated by Reference. Yours truly, OUTTRIM SZABO ASSOCIATES LTD. /s/ Attila A. Szabo ------------------------------- Attila A. Szabo, P.Eng. Senior Vice-President OUTTRIM SZABO ASSOCIATES LTD.