Residents in Bowden may soon see a community bus running in the community after two used buses were purchased from the City of Calgary in early May.
The town is currently implementing policies around the usage of the vehicles, among other items, and officials hope to have one on the road by as early as mid-July, said Robb Stuart, the town's mayor. The town had hoped to have the bus on the road three to four weeks ago, he said. One of the buses will likely be used for spare parts while the other will be put into service.
“Instead of a seniors' bus, it will be a community bus, so it will be available for the seniors, but also if community organizations wish to rent it (they could do so),” he said, noting that Bowden Grandview School could also use the bus if needed.
The bus is a 21-seat vehicle, whereas the old bus that Bowden had was a 15-seater. The old bus was replaced because it was beyond its useful lifespan.
“We had been in discussion with the City (of Calgary) probably for six months,” he said, noting that the town took possession of them in mid-May.
With more stringent guidelines being passed by the provincial government regarding who can drive the bus, Stuart said the town needs to make sure any volunteers that do drive the bus have the appropriate certification in things like first aid and other requirements.
The town got the buses through hearing that the City of Calgary was getting rid of 10 buses in its fleet.
Stuart said he hopes the buses last between five and 10 years.
Town considering logo changes
The town is considering a request by Bowden Economic Development to go ahead with a subsidiary town logo to the one currently used by the town.
“They wanted it discussed at council before they adopted it. We're going to give them approval to go ahead with their minor changes. The town logo will probably change, but we've gotta … churn our way through (existing stock),” Stuart said, noting he hopes a decision on a new logo can be made in the next three to four months.
Stuart said town officials haven't yet considered how much the logo changes would cost. He said that would likely be considered once existing stock is nearing depletion.
Town interested in affordable housing project
Council expressed support for a plan by Clay Cup Developers to build an apartment block in town after receiving a letter from the group asking if council would be in agreement of such a development. The letter was the first step in initiating further discussions on the matter and nothing has yet been decided.
“We said we would definitely entertain the idea but we need a lot more information about who's going to develop it, what they expect the town to do, who's funding it. We definitely are looking for affordable housing,” Stuart said.
