Approximately 100 km of fencing will be installed this year to prevent livestock from straying onto B.C. highways and railroads, as part of the Province's $10-million highway and railroad livestock fencing plan.

The initiative is a continuing commitment under the Ranching Task Force Report, in partnership with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, Ministry of Agriculture and the BC Cattlemen's Association (BCCA).

This six-year program began in 2010 with planning and prioritization of projects. Construction commenced in 2011 and will take place through 2015, with a total of about 700 km of fencing built to separate livestock from provincial highways and railways. Last year, over 90 km of fencing was contracted, primarily replacing existing fences that were in poor repair.

Applications for fencing under this project have been received by the BCCA since early November 2010 and are still being accepted for future construction seasons. The planning and prioritization phase has wrapped up for this year, and tenders will be let for approximately $1.35 million in fence construction this season.

Administration of the project and tendering of the fence construction contracts will be carried out through BCCA's project delivery arm.

Quotes:

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Blair Lekstrom -

"Many of our provincial highways pass through ranch land. By improving fencing along these routes, we are improving the safety of motorists who could be seriously injured in a collision with stray animals, and helping to protect ranchers from losing valuable livestock."

Minister of Agriculture Don McRae -

"The Province and BCCA are working together to improve conditions on the range, and build on the reputation that B.C. beef is raised to the highest of standards. The construction of 700 kilometres of fencing will offer highway and railway users increased safety while protecting the investments of B.C.'s hard working ranching families."

BC Cattlemen's Association general manager Kevin Boon -

"The joint program to fence highways and protect motorists and livestock in British Columbia is well underway, with close to 100 kilometres of fence built in the first year."

"With food production becoming ever more important to the province's economy, it is refreshing to see a program that invests in its future. More importantly, this program protects the motorists who enjoy B.C.'s highways."

Learn More:

Learn more about the Highways Fencing Program at: www.cattlemen.bc.ca/fencing.htm

Contact:

Jeff Knight
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-7707

Kathryn Hardy
Communications
Ministry of Agriculture
250 387-1693