DAWSON CREEK, B.C. – British Columbia ranchers have not given up hope
that the government will help them build and maintain fences along the
province’s major highways.
“What do we do with the fences that are ready to fall over, that are
beyond repair?” rancher Faye Street of Cranbrook asked provincial
agriculture minister John van Dongen during the B.C Cattlemen’s
Association annual meeting.
“Are we as a producer expected to build new fences along highway right
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She wants the government to reinstate the program that built and
maintained fences along Schedule 2 highways.
The Trans-Canada Highway is a Schedule 1 highway.
Van Dongen said that until 1995, the province spent $2 to $3 million a
year on the program as a service to ranchers.
“In the past, the ministry of transport has provided funding for
fencing on a voluntary basis to assist the ranching industry with the
transition to take on the responsibility.”
He said the government has no plans to continue the program because of
the current climate of fiscal restraint.
“I recognize fencing is very, very expensive. I don’t have a good
answer for you.”
Ed Fossen, chair of the BCCA’s transportation and noxious weeds
committee, said the group has lobbied rural MLAs, filed a complaint
with the ombudsman’s office against the transportation ministry, and
asked the province’s insurance agency for an alternate program.
Fossen said a lawyer has advised ranchers to maintain the fences until
the government is convinced to implement a replacement program.
“The clear obligation lies with the landowner to use reasonable care to
prevent animals from escaping onto the highway.”
Fossen said the organization recommends producers inspect fences
regularly and keep a record of their activity.
Ranchers are also advised to carry a minimum of $2 million liability
insurance, but preferably $5 million.
