The government of British Columbia is extending a program that keeps one of the province's oldest industries safe and viable.
A new $4-million investment will extend the existing Provincial Livestock Fencing Program through two more years until the end of 2017.
Todd Stone, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister and MLA for Kamloops-South Thompson, and Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett made the announcement on green ranch land north of 100 Mile House near a recently erected livestock fence running adjacent to Highway 97, some of the total 650 kilometres of fencing in B.C. built since the program's inception in 2010.
The current funding commitment totalled $10 million and ends in 2015. The new investment is expected to help build an additional 250 km of fencing.
The B.C. Cattlemen's Association (BCCA) received applications for more than 2,000 km of fencing, so the need is clearly there, Stone said on June 25.
“The B.C. government is happy to continue its partnership with the BCCA to deliver this program with benefits to drivers and the ranching community. This fencing program is keeping cattle and other livestock off our highways, improving safety for all motorists.”
Kevin Boon, BCCA general manager, said a survey by the organization showed close to a 50 per cent reduction of cattle and traffic conflict on the fenced highways since the program started.
“We can expect these fences to last 35 to 40 years.”
The ranching industry has had some tough times over the past few years, but is on the rebound, Boon added.
“It has the spinoff benefits of rural development and support for the small towns. It's time for us to rebuild our industry again. There's no better way than turning the sunshine and grass into protein we can utilize, and to help make sure the public is safe as well.”
Barnett made it clear that she would continue to lobby the government to extend the program past 2017.
The infrastructure funding is part of B.C. on the Move, the province's 10-year transportation plan.