[News] Provincial funding will expand Rimbey transportation options

“Back in 2022, Rimbey FCSS (not yet Rimbey Community Home Help Services) had done a small needs assessment, and transportation was identified as one of the main needs,” said Misty Griffith, executive director f0r Rimbey Community Home Help Services ((RCHHS).

A committee was then formed, which included reps from the Blindman Handy Van Society, Drive Happiness, Rimoka Housing, the Town of Rimbey, RCHHS, and various community volunteers.

“There is a wide range of people that sit on that committee,” said Griffiths, adding various gaps in local transportation services were brought forward.

These included transportation for those with mobility issues, a lack of transportation for individual passengers, plus a general lack of services after 5 p.m. and on weekends.

In 2024, the committee applied for Provincial Assisted Transportation Program grant funding, but were unsuccessful on that first attempt.

“We decided to keep on meeting as a committee to work on finding some solutions.”

Later on, Griffith had a call from the Rimbey Hospital asking if RCHHS wanted to take over their handy van.

“They wanted it to go to a not-for-profit, that would keep (the services) as a not-for-profit, and then service the community,” she explained.

“We received $185,000 over two years,” Griffiths said, adding ultimately, the funding is from Healthy Aging Alberta, through the Ministry of Assisted Living and Social Services (formerly Seniors, Community and Social Services).

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