Program to help seniors get to medical appointments among other things (File image)

By Brian Konrad

Provincial program to provide Oyen seniors with accessible transportation

Nov 16, 2023 | 10:28 AM

EDMONTON, AB. — Oyen is one of five rural communities in Alberta that will receive funding for accessible transportation for seniors.

Oyen will receive $242,000 for the program, part of a total of $1.1 million allocated by the provincial government.

Edson, Fox Creek, Sundre and the M.D. of Smoky River are the other municipalities included in the program.

In a release, the government says seniors in rural Alberta need accessible transportation services to improve access to medical care, buy groceries and connect with community and government services.

Jason Nixon, the Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services, said in the release, “It is important for seniors to live independently in their communities for as long as possible. This funding will strengthen transportation in rural communities, providing seniors with easier access to health care, grocery stores, socialization and so much more.”

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This three-year project will see local community organizations and their partners deliver innovative, accessible and assisted transportation services to older adults in their communities.

The investment will mean that seniors will be able to rely on more frequent trips being available, new routes for out-of-town services and additional vehicles for increased options.

In early 2024, interested community-based organizations, Family and Community Support Services offices and municipalities will be invited to submit expressions of interest to be part of the next phase of the project, which will support up to 20 programs across Alberta.

Details on how communities can access this funding will be available on the Healthy Aging Alberta website.