B.C. relaunches Adopt-a-Highway program

B.C. relaunches Adopt-a-Highway program
CHEK News
A pickup seen driving along the Trans-Canada Highway near Victoria. The B.C. government announced Wednesday that it is relaunching its Adopt-a-Highway program as a result of coronavirus restrictions lifting province-wide.

A program designed to keep highways in B.C. clean is coming back.

The B.C. government announced Wednesday that it is relaunching its Adopt-a-Highway program as a result of coronavirus restrictions lifting province-wide.

The Adopt-a-Highway program allows sections of highways in British Columbia to be “adopted” by volunteers and community organizations, who are then responsible for supporting the upkeep — such as removing trash, reporting invasive species and landscaping — for at least two years. The minimum length of highway available for adoption in B.C. is two kilometres.

B.C. paused the program in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic and is now encouraging organizations and community members to apply to adopt a section of highway.

“This year, the [B.C. government] is encouraging Adopt A Highway alumni and new groups to reconnect with the program to strengthen social bonds while making a positive impact on the environment and communities, and helping to maintain the province’s beauty for all to enjoy,” the province said in a media release.

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure provides necessary training and safety equipment, including vests, signage and safety checklists, to individuals who adopt a highway and are working along the highway.

“Groups average a cleanup four times a year, and can have their organization’s name posted on a sign along their stretch of highway. The program accepts applications year-round and provides proactive opportunities for community service for youth and adults,” the province said in its release.

More than 80 groups and nearly 900 individuals had adopted 150 kilometres of highway in 2019, according to the B.C. government.

CHEK NewsCHEK News

Recent Stories

Send us your news tips and videos!