Fence cutbacks anger B.C. ranchers

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Published: June 20, 2002

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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of ways and crown grazing?”

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.

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