Fort St. James will become a little more friendly for seniors soon.
A Union of British Columbia Municipalities Age-Friendly Communities grant for $20,000 will allow for the development of a transportation service for seniors by seniors.
The funding will take the program through to December 31, 2013, so further funding sources will be needed to maintain the program in the long-term.
Similar to the delivery service started last October which helps those with mobility issues to take care of some basic errands, the transportation service in the works will be directed at low-income seniors and those with mobility issues who do not have access to transportation.
While still in the development stage, an action committee is being formed which will be in charge of determining how to execute and articulate the program.
The aim is to help get seniors out and about in the community, forming social bonds and being part of the community as a whole.
Yvonne Sam will be the coordinator for the new service with the District of Fort St. James providing support for her and the action committee.
“Let’s hope that this is as successful as the delivery service has been,” said Sam.
While living in a small, rural community can be difficult for people with mobility or transportation challenges, this could help to improve the quality of life for those people.
“This is neat to see the community progress into ways to dealing with things,” said Kris Nielson.