Mounties to increase Highway 23 N patrols 2011-05-14BC Hydro and the RCMP are working together to make Highway 23 North safer for the public and for wildlife. As recommended by the community-based Mica Units 5 and 6 Core Committee, BC Hydro is providing funding to the RCMP to conduct additional patrols along the 136 km stretch of highway for the next four years during construction of the BC Hydro’s Mica projects. “Safety is BC Hydro’s top priority,” Chris O’Riley, BC Hydro’s executive vice-president of generation, said in a statement. “We share the concerns of local government, First Nations, and stakeholders on the Mica Units 5 and 6 Core Committee about increased traffic on Highway 23 North during construction of the Mica Project and the need for these measures to increase road safety.” Road safety is also a top priority for the Revelstoke RCMP and for police across the province. "When we were approached by BC Hydro we realized that this partnership just made good sense," said Cpl. Rod Wiebe, spokesman for the Revelstoke detachment. "It will enable us to dedicate added resources to Highway 23 North at a time when traffic levels and collisions are on the rise. This in turn contributes to our commitment to safe homes and safe communities.” Photo courtesy of BC Hydro