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Adopt a Highway program returns to B.C. as restrictions ease

With COVID-19 restrictions lifting around British Columbia, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure’s Adopt A Highway program is inviting community members to once again support the care of scenic roadways, the province said.

Historically, the Adopt A Highway program has seen hundreds of volunteers every year support the stewardship of B.C.’s favourite road areas.

Volunteer groups can apply to “adopt” a minimum two-kilometre stretch of highway for two years.

Groups and individuals commit to supporting the upkeep of their adopted kilometres, and participate in tasks from performing litter removal (collected by the ministry’s maintenance contractors), to landscaping and reporting invasive species found along the roadway.

Pandemic paused program

While the program was paused in 2020 in response to the pandemic, this month’s relaunch is designed to inspire people to again become a part of the movement. In 2019, more than 80 groups and nearly 900 individuals had adopted 150 kilometres of roadway.

This year, the ministry 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.

Equipment provided

The ministry provides all necessary training and safety equipment for people working along the roadway, including vests, signage and safety checklists. 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 Adopt a Highway program was first launched in 2003.

Apply to become a part of the program by emailing: Adopt.A.Highway@gov.bc.ca