Council interested in GreenTrip

Miriam Ostermann
Times Associate Editor

 

Addressing a long-standing and prevalent issue about the lack of transportation, town administration tested the waters to generate interest among local politicians for a chance to grab a piece of a multi-million dollar pie to secure capital funds for the purchase of transit vehicles and technologies.
The Alberta government introduced a $2 billion program in 2010, with a focus on sustainable pubic alternatives known as the Green Transit Incentives Program (GreenTRIP). With $160 million still available to municipalities accompanied by a fast-approaching deadline, council was asked for their input and interest before investing more time and resources to move further along in the process.
While no project was proposed in detail, council was introduced to the possibility of a project submission to acquire a wheelchair-accessible van.
“I’m aware that we are putting the horse before the cart here, and this is not how we normally do things, [but] the problem we have is that we’re under a time issue here, and this is a fair amount of work that’s going to be involved in this,” said Councillor Bob Sobol, who attended a joined Calgary Regional Partnership transportation and capital regional transportation board meeting in December.
“There’s been a lot of discussions and suggestions as to how we could use this unit, but certainly at the end of the day, no matter how it’s incorporated, it would be primarily used for transportation of handicapped persons our community. I know for a fact that a vehicle like this could be well served and well used in our community. I want to make sure council is aware of why and what the work and potential is before we carry on any further.”
The GreenTRIP distributions supply 66 per cent of the eligible project’s capital funds, with the remainder paid by the municipalities coming from other sources including grants and property taxes.
Such projects include Light Rail Transit systems (LRT), bus terminals, and transit vehicles. As all purchases must be accessible to transit users with special needs and meet Alberta Transportation regulations, a wheelchair-accessible van, which can cost up to $80,000, not only piqued council’s interest but would address a swelling community need.
“This is such a timely issue and in my report from the Wheatland Lodge, after their last meeting, they indicated the huge issues that they’re having relevant to the cuts to the Handibus hours and the deficit in terms of capacity for transportation for seniors in the community,” said Councillor Denise Peterson.
“In my Seniors Advisory Committee meeting report this month, you’ll see the same thing, that it is an enormous issue. Certainly TSI has reported that it is the number one issue, so it’s really timely.”
A GreenTRIP application requires a detailed project application and a business case. While questions were raised regarding the vehicle’s operation, hours, and interference with the Handibus, planner for the town of Strathmore, Chuck Procter, noted that the addition of the unit is expected to compliment the society’s service. However, council was reminded that currently the van is just an idea with wrinkles to be ironed out in the business case.
Council passed a motion to direct administration to continue to work on the grant application for GreenTRIP and bring the document back to council for approval.