INNISFAIL - Town officials and a committee are reviewing current transportation services to better meet the needs of Innisfail residents.
An open house was held at the Innisfail Library/Learning Centre on April 13 and several more are planned in the near future.
"As part of the seniors' needs assessment last fall we did a survey and some of the questions in that survey pertained to transportation," said Karen Bradbury, community and social development coordinator with the Town of Innisfail. "Transportation was one of the priorities identified."
The open house included an assessment survey to allow all Innisfail citizens to voice their questions and concerns about transportation in the community.
"We had a really good response today and a lot of people were here when the doors opened. There's been lots of questions," said Bradbury.
During the open house, residents had access to information and several banners that provided details on current transportation services, including the community handi-van and the community bus.
"The community bus is suspended at the moment while we do a review of all of our transportation services," she said. "We're inviting feedback for any of our transportation initiatives."
Bradbury noted the 2004 handi-van currently has 232,000 kilometres logged.
"The repairs would be significant so it's timely that we do a review and look at what our options are," she added, noting the next step includes having the transportation committee review feedback, look at options and make recommendations to council.
Mayor Brian Spiller and all Innisfail councillors were on hand for the April 13 open house.
Several local residents in attendance had questions and concerns about transportation in the town.
"Transportation is a very important aspect. It's something we need to have in place," said resident Tim Ainscough. "We have a significant senior population and for a lot of them, this (handi-van) is their only opportunity to get out and get to the grocery store or get to the doctors' office."
Tim Ainscough, Innisfail resident
"Transportation is a very important aspect. It's something we need to have in place."
