Representatives of the Province, business, and community organizations gathered roadside today to officially launch Prince Edward Island's first Adopt-A-Highway Program.
Jurisdictions across North America have brought in Adopt-A-Highway Programs as a means of generating community involvement in keeping roadsides clean. On PEI, the Federated Women's Institute of Prince Edward Island has taken a leadership role in this area by organizing annual roadside cleanups across the province each spring for the last 30 years. Today's announcement will build upon that strong foundation by having two additional cleanups take place on Island roads in early summer and fall.
"One of the greatest things about our province is the natural beauty of our communities," said Premier Pat Binns in announcing the new program. "By having an Adopt-A-Highway Program on Prince Edward Island, we are building on the strength and commitment shown by the Women's Institute over the last 30 years to help keep our Island clean."
In recognition of this three decades of community service by Women's Institute chapters across Prince Edward Island, Premier Binns presented President elect Margie Stewart with an award acknowledging the WI's continued contribution to Island society.
"The Women's Institute perform a tremendous public service in helping protect the environment through their Annual Roadside Cleanup and, on behalf of all Islanders, I'd like to thank them for their ongoing community leadership," said Premier Binns in presenting the award.
"Our membership have been proud to support Island communities with the Roadside Cleanup for 30 years and look forward to other groups across the Island becoming involved in the effort with us through the Adopt-A-Highway Program," said Mrs. Stewart, in accepting the award on behalf of the Women's Institute.
Under the Adopt-A-Highway Program, community and environmental groups, service clubs, sports associations, businesses and other organizations can "adopt" a five kilometre stretch of Island road by agreeing to perform two roadside cleanups a year – one in mid to late June and the other between late September and early October. This will complement the existing Women's Institute Annual Roadside Cleanup held in early may. The groups receive safety training, and the two-year commitment is recognized through signage identifying community partners as partners in the Adopt-A-Highway Program along the designated roadway.
"The Adopt-A-Highway Program is a wonderful opportunity for community groups to help enhance Island roads. I'm pleased that my department is involved as a partner in this exciting new program," said Transportation and Public Works Minister Gail Shea. The Department of Transportation and Public Works is supporting the Adopt-A-Highway Program through administrative, safety training and related services as well as the waiving of tippage fees by Island Waste Management Corporation.
Three Island waste haulers – Superior Sanitation Services Ltd., Hardydale Enterprises and W.V. Gallant Recycling – are partnering with the Adopt-A-Highway Program by providing pickup service for adopted sections of roadway.
"The Adopt-A-Highway Program will complement the work of the Provincial Litter Awareness Campaign to keep the Island clean. By doing so, we are helping to enhance the local environment as well as the natural beauty of our province," said Environment Minister Chester Gillan.
As part of the launch of the Adopt-A-Highway Program, the first three community partners were announced. They are the Hazelbrook Women's institute, Pownal Sports Centre Inc. and Cherrycliffe 4-H Club. Combined, the three community partners have adopted 15 kilometres of the Trans-Canada Highway from Stratford to Vernon Bridge.
"I'm very excited that such a positive program like Adopt-A-Highway is being launched and going to be used by so many local groups in our area to help improve our communities," said Belfast-Pownal Bay MLA Wilbur MacDonald.
Interested groups or organizations can learn more about becoming an Adopt-A-Highway partner by calling 1-866-NEATPEI, by contacting their local community development officer or on the government Web site at www.gov.pe.ca/adoptahighway.