A new bus shuttle service and other council notes were discussed at the Town of Hanna council informational meeting on Aug. 28.
Doray Veno, Executive Director of Lynks, made a presentation to council regarding a new public transportation initiative set to launch in the Town of Hanna.
Veno was happy to announce that a grant application to Healthy Aging Alberta Phase Two Transportation was successful in securing funding for a 20-month project for the Town of Hanna.
Veno noted that the Town of Hanna, the Primary Care Network (PCN), and Family Care and Support Services (FCSS) collaborated to apply for a grant which provides two streams of services.
The first stream will focus on the Drive Happiness program, a door-to-door service, which helps seniors maintain independence by providing affordable transportation.
The grant will allow the group to hire a part-time staff member, increase awareness of Drive Happiness, recruit volunteer drivers, and assist seniors with the application process to become riders.
The second stream will establish a local loop bus shuttle service called “The Local Loop.”
The draft route includes 16 stops with temporary signage for bus stops. The shuttle is a hop-on-hop-off service, costing $5 for a day pass.
Children under 12 can ride for free and must be accompanied by a caregiver; however the main focus of the grant is to assist seniors and people with mobility issues.
It was noted that at this time the service is not equipped to help people with physical disabilities.
A six-month contract with a local service provider allows the group to operate without the expense of purchasing a vehicle or covering insurance and maintenance costs.
The Local Loop will run every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m starting on Sept. 18. A launch party scheduled for Oct. 2 providing free rides on the shuttle bus.
“What happens if I have a doctor’s appointment and don’t get out in time to catch the bus?” asked Mayor Danny Povashuck. Veno responded that Lynks staff would be on the bus and would be aware of any issues to ensure all riders got home.
Lynks is part of Harvest Sky Services and Supports Society which provides employment, learning and community services in the Harvest Sky Region.
“We definitely want to make this a success,” stated Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Kim Neill. “It’s exciting news.”
Homeless support
The council also discussed support services for homeless people and those at risk, in light of recent events, with the RCMP, the Lynks Society and the Town of Hanna.
Sgt. Robert Welsman from the Hanna RCMP detachment emphasized the importance of the public calling the RCMP when incidents occur, as they are currently underreported and encouraged residents to be proactive.
“If you are concerned at all, even if you are not sure if it is a criminal activity, call and we can assess the situation,” he said, noting that it is the RCMP’s role to investigate and identify individuals, referencing the bylaws in effect.
Sgt. Welsman noted that if the town did not want people loitering or sleeping in parks or public areas, a bylaw needed to be enacted for RCMP enforcement.
Veno noted that a Reaching Home Grant from the federal government and the Rural Development Network (RPN) was approved as a two-year program at $60,000 per year. This allows Lynks to hire a part-time staff member and provide some preventative and immediate support.
Veno mentioned that one of the key gaps in the province is availability for help, as it can take anywhere from two weeks to three months to access services after intake.
She noted that support for individuals is cyclical and that the lifestyle often involves couch surfing or individuals leaving and then returning to town.
Veno emphasized that Lynks aims to be inclusive of all needs and to create a welcoming and safe environment.
Individuals can apply for support, such as help with damage deposits, utilities and household items, with staff offering other service resources for them to choose from.
Veno also noted that the Connecting Community hot lunch on Wednesdays has been an ‘incredible vehicle to build trust and give them the confidence to ask for what they need.”
“What you guys do is fantastic,” said Neill, noting that a community the size of Hanna lacks provincially dedicated services.
“So many addictions come from trauma. The mental health gaps are so vast,” Veno said, suggesting that increased awareness and education could change residents’ attitudes and help them see individuals as humans and part of the community.
“Is there something that the town could do to help?” asked Neill, noting that town staff maintain public areas such as parks and washrooms. Veno suggested that staff refer individuals to Lynks, which could support vulnerable people.
It was mentioned that people might fear individuals under the influence, with Sgt. Welsman again suggested that residents call the RCMP, who could assess the situation and could refer the individual to Lynks.
Veno wondered if establishing an overnight shelter was of interest to council. Neill recommended that the group prepare a presentation for the council to consider, noting that purchasing property and funding its upkeep and staffing would require financial resources.
“If someone’s basic needs are not met, then they have no capacity to move forward to seek support,” Veno pointed out.
Coun. Angie Warwick agreed, stating, “That’s why I had a conversation about unlocking the bathrooms [for their use].”
The Reaching Home Program operates under RDN and provides support for municipalities, non-profits, First Nation communities and Metis Settlements that are working on homelessness projects located outside the seven major cities in Alberta.
Coun. Sandra Murphy discussed the need to target drug dealers and drug houses. Murphy also expressed dismay that some community members “dehumanized” homeless individuals on social media.
“What are we doing to stop the supply houses?” asked Murphy.
Sgt. Welsmen responded that they are working on it, “we are not turning a blind eye,” he stated, and suggested that if anyone had information regarding drug activity to share it with the RCMP.
Mayor Danny Povashcuk noted that the individuals “are not hard core criminals,” and that most crime seemed to be a crime of opportunity.
“There is no easy answer, it’s a very complex situation ,” CAO Neill noted.
Purchasing policy
A new draft purchasing policy was presented to council following a request from Coun. Warwick at the May 29 council information meeting. During this meeting, council passed a resolution for the administration to prepare a new draft purchasing policy for future review and approval.
“So many things need to be considered beyond cost and more time and discussion are needed,” Warwick said after reviewing the draft policy.
Neill noted that while buying locally is preferred, the council must also be good stewards of public money. “It is very difficult to balance economics versus shopping locally,” Neill said.
Warwick also highlighted that local businesses employ people. “What does that equate to?”
Coun. Sandra Beadoin agreed, saying, “More factors need to be considered than just cost.”
“I’m hearing from some of our businesses that they are not getting support,” Warwick said.
“I get frustrated when I hear comments like that because I don’t get those comments,” remarked Neill.
Council passed a motion to accept the draft purchasing policy for information and requested feedback for future council review.
Cheryl Bowman
Multimedia reporter
ECA Review
