News Release

MIRAMICHI (GNB) – The provincial government today announced the reinstatement of the Adopt-A-Highway program.

“The Adopt-A-Highway program was extremely popular and volunteer organizations have been seeking its reinstatement,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Bill Fraser. “It gives New Brunswickers an opportunity to engage in a meaningful environmental endeavor which enhances their communities.”

Under the program, volunteer organizations participate in clean-up on the right-of-way of provincially designated highways. This is consistent with the province’s objective to enhance tourism by beautifying transportation infrastructure.

Volunteer organizations will co-ordinate and supervise volunteers for the pick-up of litter. The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure will provide garbage bags, reflective vests, hard hats, signs and gloves, and will remove full garbage bags from the roadside for disposal at local landfills. The department will place identifying signage along the adopted portion of the highway.

The Point Church in Miramichi has become the first volunteer organization in the province to adopt a four-kilometre section of highway.

“We are pleased to be the first volunteer organization in New Brunswick to adopt a portion of highway under the reinstated Adopt-A-Highway program,” said Kevin Matthews, lead pastor of the Point Church. “We recently organized our Team Up 2 Clean Up event in the community and feel as though this is a natural fit for our group of dedicated volunteers.”

Additionally, Towne Auto Group and two local radio personalities; Paddy Quinn and Darcy McLaughlin, have each registered to adopt a section of highway in the Miramichi area.

“I am thrilled that these volunteer organizations are taking the lead to help keep our province beautiful,” said Fraser. “I encourage volunteer organizations across the province to reach out to their district offices and adopt a highway today.”