Transportation services help rural seniors maintain their independence.
To help keep seniors and those with mobility issues connected with their neighbours and their community and enable them to do day-to-day tasks, such as visiting the doctor or grocery shopping, the Alberta government is providing funding for accessible and affordable transportation services.
Through a three-year partnership, the Alberta government is investing $3.5 million, so Healthy Aging Alberta can provide accessible and affordable transportation services for both seniors and those with mobility issues in 19 rural communities in the province, which will allow them access to services that are vital to their health and well-being.
It will also help seniors to age with dignity in their own homes and remain independent.
"This investment will provide a lifeline for seniors and those with mobility issues by empowering them with the freedom to access essential services and social outings. Our government is making sure seniors can remain active and independent by investing in this program, helping seniors age in the rural communities they call home," explained the Minister of Seniors, Community, and Social Services, Jason Nixon, in a media release.
This Healthy Aging Alberta transportation project began in 2023 with five communities, which saw almost 7,200 rides to seniors and individuals with mobility challenges between October 2023 and November 2024.
The project is now being expanded to a total of 19 communities in Alberta, with 14 new communities being added throughout the province, and the communities with a high percentage of low-income seniors were prioritized when they were deciding which communities received funding.
Successful communities were chosen based on their need and their readiness to implement or expand assisted transportation services.
Through this program, local community organizations and partnerships will deliver affordable transportation and mobility services, and there will be new out-of-town routes, more frequent trips, and additional vehicle options.
The additional communities that will see the increased transportation for seniors through this program include Claresholm, Siksika First Nation, Crowsnest Pass, and the Foothills Region.
Claresholm and Siksika First Nation will each receive $175,000 in funding for this project, while the Crowsnest Pass will receive $216,653, and the Foothills Region will receive $146,337.
To see the full list of communities receiving funding through this program and to learn more, click here.