The Province will spend $4 million to expand livestock fencing in B.C. as part of a partnership with the BC Cattleman’s Association, announced Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone.

This is part of B.C. on the Move, the Government of B.C.’s new 10-year transportation plan.

This investment will extend the existing Provincial Livestock Fencing Program through to the end of 2017 with $2 million in 2016 and $2 million in 2017. The current funding commitment of $10 million over six years will end in 2015.

The B.C. government officially launched the fencing program in 2010. By the end of 2015, more than $10-million will have been invested to build nearly 650 kilometres of livestock fencing adjacent to provincial highways throughout the province. This new investment is expected to help build an additional 250 kilometres of fencing in B.C.

“The B.C. government is happy to continue its partnership with the BC Cattlemen’s Association to deliver this program with benefits to drivers and the ranching community,” said Stone. “This fencing program is keeping cattle and other livestock off our highways, improving safety for all motorists. This funding announcement also demonstrates the Province’s commitment to the continued viability of the ranching and farming industries throughout B.C.”

“This fencing program is valuable to ranchers and farmers, by keeping their livestock safe and contained, and it also helps prevent crashes, boosting safety for motorists travelling through the countryside,” said Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett. “In talking to the ranchers and farmers, it became clear there was a need for this program to continue, and this new investment will help to construct many more kilometres of livestock fencing across the province.”

The BC Cattlemen’s Association will continue to administer this popular program, by taking applications from livestock owners who are seeking assistance to build fences adjacent to the highway. Applications are reviewed by the BC Cattlemen’s Association and applicants are contacted regarding the status of their application. Projects are selected based on several factors including current fence condition, livestock headcount and the highway designation.

“BC Cattlemen's Association commends the B.C. government in their continued commitment to protect motorists from livestock that inadvertently make their way onto the highway due to deteriorating fences,” said BC Cattlemen’s Association general manager Kevin Boon. “This investment is a benefit to ranchers and livestock producers and will help to keep the public safe as they travel our highways.”

This commitment is part of the new Road Safety Improvement Program, as announced in B.C. on the Move, where the ministry will invest $75 million over the next three years toward improving highway safety throughout the province.

B.C. on the Move is government’s 10-year plan for the improvement of the province’s transportation network. The actions prioritized in B.C. on the Move will enhance safety, grow the economy, maintain and replace aging infrastructure and support trade for B.C.’s expanding resource sectors through Canada’s Asia-Pacific Gateway. Over the next three years, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure will invest up to $2.5 billion to improve B.C.’s transportation network.

Learn more:

B.C. on the Move is available online at: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/transportationplan/

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
250 356-8241