OLDS – Olds town councillors have instructed administration to work with the Age Friendly Initiative Committee of the Olds Institute (AFIC) on finding solutions to transportation needs and concerns in the community.
The move came by way of motion at a recent policies and priorities committee (P&P) meeting in council chambers. That committee is made up of town councillors.
A delegation from the AFIC appeared before councillors to review some of the local transportation options currently available for local seniors and other residents and to highlight what they believe is a need for improved services.
The AFIC has undertaken a number of recent surveys, finding the majority of respondents would like to see improved, sustainable transportation options brought forward.
Many area seniors experience social isolation and loss of independence when they can no longer drive themselves, committee members told councillors.
“Seniors without reliable and affordable transportation are more at risk of social isolation, and may have difficulties in accessing community and medical services,” said committee member Bernice Lynn. “The results can increase financial burdens on families and communities.”
Committee member Rita Thompson said the cost of transportation to medical appointments outside Olds can be prohibitive for many seniors.
“Many services are not affordable for non-drivers,” Thompson said. “A round trip cost to the clinic is difficult for those on fixed incomes described by a (recent survey) respondent as ‘one step above poverty.' "
Some other residents with mobility issues, disabilities and/or low incomes also suffer from a lack of access to reasonably priced transportation, she said.
The AFIC would like to work with the town’s community services department and other stakeholders such as Mountain View County, MARD (medically at-risk driver centre), and the Alberta Motor Association to seek out solutions to the transportation concerns.
Olds town councillor Mary Jane Harper put forward a motion calling on administration to work with the AFIC to “put together stakeholder sessions and then bring back recommendations to council at a later date.”
That motion passed unanimously.
Following the presentation to the P&P committee, Thompson and Lynn provided further comment on the issue.
“We have requested to have a focus group on transportation (formed in Olds),” said Thompson.
Asked what she envisions coming out of the stakeholder sessions, she said, “We have a wonderful community and many people, so I think by working together there is a solution somewhere that is affordable and sustainable.”
Lynn added, “We know that there are many groups that have buses or transportation that could take multiple people, so that would maybe be the challenge, to get those organizations to see how they could work together without giving up any of their own autonomy or their own clients.”
The focus group could examine how other area communities, including Sundre and Innisfail, have tried to address transportation concerns, said Thompson.
“By looking at what those communities are doing perhaps we could find something that would work for our community,” said Thompson.
Having the town involved will increase access to information and resources, said Lynn.
“I think it will be more effective if people know the town is involved," said Lynn.
Seniors make up a relatively large proportion of the overall Olds population compared with many other Alberta communities, said Thompson.
A timeline for the session or sessions to take place has not yet been announced.
