In additional to rural bus routes, municipalities in the Grande Prairie area are looking into the possibility of a regional handibus service. Consultants toured the City and County, the towns of Wembley, Beaverlodge, and Sexsmith, and the Village of Hythe in February to look at what services are already offered and to talk to the people affected.
“The City of Grande Prairie, the County of Grande Prairie, the Towns of Wembley, Beaverlodge and Sexsmith, and the Village of Hythe initiated the project to improve mobility options primarily for seniors and disabled residents to attend to basic needs such as medical and dental appointments, shopping, and social outings,” the municipalities explain in a joint media release.
The results will be used to draft up a potential service plan, but public input is still needed. A series of open houses are planned for April 10 and 11th to get further input. Feedback can also be given online starting April 3rd.
A report from the consultants is expected by June, and will be shared with each of the communities’ councils. It’s being funded by a $67,500 provincial grant given to the Town of Wembley.
The Disabled Transportation Society currently runs a wheelchair accessible bus for people in Grande Prairie and Clairmont. The same six communities have also applied for provincial funding for a rural transportation pilot program.
