Provincial Assisted Transportation Project Funding (Jan 15 - Feb 9, 2024)

A growing number of older adults who want to live in their own homes face barriers to accessing the non-medical services they need to live independently in the community, including accessible and affordable transportation. 

As a Social Determinant of Health, transportation affects almost every other determinant because it impacts access to needed services including medical, social, and basic needs. It has been identified by the World Health Organization as one of the eight domains of action for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities. 

With investment from the Government of Alberta, and working collaboratively with the Ministry of Seniors, Community and Social Services, Healthy Aging Alberta (HAA) is offering funding to support the delivery of community-based assisted transportation services for older adults and persons with mobility issues living in rural Alberta. This project will see local community organizations and partnerships deliver innovative assisted transportation services to older adults in their rural communities that promote access to medical and social services essential for their well-being. 

Community Based Investment

The Government of Alberta announced $3.5 million in funding in April 2023 to Healthy Aging Alberta to ensure accessible and affordable transportation for older adults throughout the province.  

A multi-year investment will enable the development and implementation of a phased project, including the delivery of coordinated transportation programs in rural regions across the province. This funding has been allotted into two funding Phases. The project will see local community organizations deliver transportation support to older adults in their communities that promote their access to medical and social services. Phase one is already in progress and seven organizations were selected as recipients of this funding in 2023.   

Selection Criteria

Organizations are encouraged to provide information about the transportation needs of older adults in their specific communities as a part of the Expression of Interest (EOI) and describe how this project will lead to increased access to medical and social services. 

Phase 2 EOI’s will be shortlisted based on the following required criteria: 

• Rural areas with established non-transit transportation services. 
• Demonstrated community need for assisted transportation services. 
• Density of seniors and people with disabilities. 
• Rural communities with a high percentage of low-income seniors. 
• Demonstrated gap in service within the community. 
• Demonstrated capacity within the community to expand, evolve, or establish assisted transportation programming, focusing on programs with solid sustainability plans. 
• Evidence of past success serving this population. 
• An innovative approach to service delivery that is focused on collaboration and working in partnership with both community organizations and for-profit services to meet needs. 
• Ability to implement evaluation measures to demonstrate results as informed by the Healthy Aging Framework 
• Capacity and willingness to be an active participant in a Transportation Community of Practice for the duration of the funding. 
• Capacity to participate in a broader conversation about transportation across the province. 

Please access the Healthy Aging Alberta page for a full description of the project, Phase 2 funding eligibility requirements, submission requirements, and to complete the Expression of Interest (EOI).

Q & A Virtual Session 

Healthy Aging Alberta will be hosting a virtual Q&A information session on CORE Alberta on Thursday, January 18 from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM MST. This session is intended to be a forum to ask questions you may have regarding the EOI process. If you are interested in attending, please register for the session. 

Post-recording will be posted here after Jan 18 event.   Healthy Aging Alberta - YouTube

Submission Period 

Expressions of Interest will be accepted from January 15- Feb 9, 2024  

Deadline to Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) 

Expressions of Interest must be submitted electronically no later than 11:59PM MST on Friday, February 9, 2024 to be considered. EOIs must be sent by email to:  

Email: funding@healthyagingalberta.ca  

Subject: Transportation EOI - NAME OF ORGANIZATION APPLYING  

Review Process  

All Expressions of Interest will be reviewed, and shortlisted organizations will be notified in writing on Wednesday, February 28, 2024.   

CONTACT

If you have questions or need assistance with the Expression of Interest process, please contact us at funding@healthyagingalberta.ca. Please reference the area of Alberta your organization provides services within. Questions will be answered until Feb 8, 2024.