Innovative Age-Friendly Initiative Provides Access to Transportation

Older women and men, as well as those with mobility challenges, will benefit from a Provincial Government investment of almost $1.3 million in an Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Transportation Pilot Project. An initiative of the provincial Long-Term Care and Community Support Services Strategy, this project will provide affordable and reliable transportation for outings such as medical and banking appointments, social activities and grocery shopping.
 
“This is a positive initiative that will have meaningful outcomes as it will encourage older individuals and those with mobility challenges to maintain their independence and participate fully in society,” said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services. “With an investment of close to $1.3 million, our government is pleased to implement this innovative transportation pilot project, which will allow us to better utilize existing volunteers and other community resources to support the optimal health and well-being of residents.”
 
Minister Sullivan made the announcement in Clarenville. The Town of Clarenville was one of five successful groups that will receive a maximum of $100,000 per year for up to three years. Other recipients are the Canadian Red Cross Society, Metrobus, Town of Springdale, and Bay St. George South Area Development Association. A description of each project is outlined in the backgrounder below.
 
“We are committed to implementing provincial policies, programs and services that foster healthy aging,” said Minister Sullivan. “As a government, we will continue to invest in initiatives such as this that support our long-term vision of creating more age-friendly communities.”
 
The Provincial Government is allocating over $42 million in Budget 2013: A Sound Plan, A Secure Future to support seniors’ initiatives. This includes $38.5 million to provide a refundable tax credit for low income seniors; $3 million to support a 35 per cent reduction on driver’s licence and vehicle registration fees for seniors 65 years and older; and, $1.6 million to expand Community Response Teams, which provide services to support seniors and reduce hospitalization.

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Media contact:
Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca

BACKGROUNDER
Recipients of the Age-Friendly Newfoundland and Labrador Transportation Project Funding

Canadian Red Cross Society
Red Cross Community Transportation Project: Adding Life to Years
Building on its existing fleet of donated vehicles and a newly purchased wheelchair accessible vehicle, the Canadian Red Cross Society will use its well-established and recognized infrastructure to offer transportation services to seniors in communities on the northeast Avalon during years one and two of the project. The service will then be expanded to include Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor and Corner Brook in year three.
 
St. John’s Transportation Commission (Metrobus)
Seniors Community Bus Service
Metrobus will provide a wheelchair accessible transportation service designed for seniors and individuals who live with mobility challenges. Metrobus staff will design a fixed route offered daily at a set time. Input and feedback will be sought from partners, including recreation coordinators in seniors’ homes in St. John’s and neighbouring communities.
 
Town of Clarenville
Clarenville and Area Age-Friendly Transportation System
With strong volunteer support, the Town of Clarenville will purchase a wheelchair accessible van to provide transportation services for Clarenville and eight neighbouring communities. The service will be offered to residents over the age of 60 and individuals living with mobility challenges. Access to transportation will encourage participation in community activities, health and personal services.
 
Town of Springdale
Care 2 Ride: Green Bay North Transportation Solutions Model
The Town of Springdale will use a multi-community regional model to provide transportation services for seniors and individuals who live with mobility challenges. This model will build upon what is referred to as a “culture of cooperation” involving significant volunteer capacity and neighbouring communities, including Springdale, Little Bay, St. Patrick’s/Coffee Cove, Beachside, South Brook, King’s Point, Rattling Brook, Harry’s Harbour/Silverdale, Langdon’s Cove, Jackson’s Cove and Sheppardville. Transportation will be provided through the use of church buses, school buses, and vehicles from local businesses.
 
Bay St. George Area Development Association
Ride for Ages: Bay St. George South Senior Transportation Service
The Bay St. George South Area Development Association will purchase a wheelchair accessible vehicle to provide transportation services for seniors and those living with mobility challenges for outings such as visits to doctors, hospitals, shopping centres and social events. Transportation will be provided in nine communities, including Bay St. George, Heatherton, Highlands, Stephenville, Corner Brook, McKay’s, Port aux Basques, Jeffrey’s and Robinsons.

2013 06 10                                  10:50 a.m.