Government of Canada awards C$730,538 in transit funding to six Albertan communities

Six rural Albertan communities are set to make transit purchases and begin planning projects thanks to an investment of C$730,538 (US$525,764) from the federal government of Canada through the Rural Transit Solutions Fund (RTSF). Recipients are contributing a combined total of C$102,602 (US$73,842).

Funding will enable the purchase of a mini-bus for the Lac Ste. Anne Métis Community Association of Lac Ste. Anne County in Alberta, Canada. The mini-bus will provide on-demand transit services for local seniors and Elders. Funding will also support two other transit purchases in the province:

• Two electric vehicles and charging stations for the Kehewin Cree Nation to enhance on-reserve transit and health-related travel to other municipalities.
• An accessible van for the Edson Senior’s Transportation Society to ensure seniors and individuals with disabilities have access to essential services.

"The mini-bus will serve Lac Ste. Anne Métis community members living at our new Otâ Wîkitâhk seniors/Elders housing development opening this spring, as well as members living in the Lac Ste. Anne Settlement and nearby locations,” said Lac Ste. Anne Métis Community Association President Tracy Friedel. “Being able to provide accessible transportation options for our members to attend medical appointments, access food stores and participate in community gatherings and cultural outings is another way we are working to support our members, and we are thankful to the government of Canada for this investment in our community."

In Medicine Hat, funding will aid in the development of an implementation plan to support the delivery of local adaptive transit services. Other transit planning projects include transit needs and feasibility studies for Tribal Chief Ventures Inc. and the town of Vegreville.

The government notes that the RTSF supports initiatives that enhance access to public transit, helping residents of rural, remote, Indigenous and Northern communities conduct their day-to-day activities. By improving the availability and reliability of public transit options, the RTSF aims to build stronger, more connected communities across the country.

"Reliable public transit is essential to building strong, connected communities. These investments are helping rural and Indigenous communities across Alberta improve access to services, create more inclusive transportation options, and ensure no one is left behind,” said Canada’s Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience Eleanor Olszewski. “By supporting both transit planning and new vehicles, we are delivering practical solutions that meet local needs and strengthen communities for the long term.”