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By rdnewsNOW Staff

RURAL COMMUNITY FOCUS

Healthy Aging Alberta and provincial government partner to improve seniors transportation

Mar 26, 2025 | 11:29 AM

The Government fo Alberta is investing $3.5 million to partner with Healthy Aging Alberta in an effort to expand transportation and mobility services for seniors in rural communities.

According to Statistics Canada, transportation challenges are a key barrier to participation in social activities for seniors. In rural communities, seniors often rely on accessible transportation services to maintain their independence and complete tasks like grocery shopping or visiting the doctor.

The partnership is intended to help Healthy Aging Alberta provide accessible and affordable transportation to seniors in Alberta with mobility issues across 19 rural communities.

“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,” said Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services. “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.”

Healthy Aging Alberta’s provincial transportation project began with five communities in 2023. From October 2023 to November 2024, nearly 7,200 rides were provided to seniors and people with mobility challenges in rural communities.

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The project is now expanding to 19 communities total in Phase Two. Communities with a high percentage of low-income seniors were prioritized and successful communities were chosen based on need and readiness to implement or expand transportation services.

“Transportation is a lifeline for older adults, enabling older Albertans not only to access essential services, but also to remain actively engaged as volunteers and caregivers — roles that form the foundation of vibrant, interconnected communities,” said Karen McDonald, Provincial Director and Chair, Community Leadership Council, Healthy Aging Alberta.

Local community organizations and partnerships will begin to offer increased access to affordable transportation, including more frequent trips being available, new routes for out of town services, additional accessible vehicle options and more.

The government says that with this investment, it is improving seniors’ quality of life by helping them age in place and remain independent, addressing mobility challenges in communities and supporting caregivers across the province.

“The expansion of Healthy Aging Alberta’s provincial transportation project is a positive step in supporting seniors in rural Alberta,” commented Kara Westerlund, President of the Rural Municipalities of Alberta. “This investment will provide many seniors across the province with greater access to essential supports and services, which is an essential aspect of prosperous rural communities.”

Phase One (2023) included the following communities:

• Edson – $275,660
• Fox Creek – $185,045
• Oyen and Area (Special Area #3, Acadian No. 34, Empress) – $242,000
• M.D of Smoky River (Falher, McLennan, Donnelly, Girouxville) – $286,933
• Sundre – $147,504

Phase Two (2024-25) adds these communities:

• Barrhead/Barrhead County – $275,487
• Crowsnest Pass – $216,653
• M.D. Greenview – $60,000
• Northern Sunrise County – $20,241
• M.D. Spirit River – $89,260
• Driftpile Cree Nation – $175,000
• Milk River – $53,645
• Claresholm – $175,000
• Siksika First Nation – $175,000
• Foothills Region – $146,337
• Provost – $149,000
• Hanna – $145,000
• Three Hills – $175,000
• Legal – $30,844