Getting across Lloydminster shouldn’t be a luxury for only those with a vehicle. The Hub of Healing, a local group of service agencies and community members, is aiming to change that.
At their recent meeting, they started the early planning stages in the back halls of Grace United Church. Over two dozen individuals, from all walks and agencies in the community came together to tackle one question: how do you move people who can’t afford to move themselves?
Facilitator Lana Lane said transportation is one of the most significant barriers for residents trying to reach medical appointments, work, or support programs.
“Every time we sit at the city and have these conversations, we need proof and a plan,” said Lane. “This is the start of that plan.”
Meanwhile, the city administration, for its part, is still reviewing options. They are set to come back to the Lloydminster council in the coming weeks with more information on a possible plan.
Groups unite behind data and drive
Groups including SPARK Foundation, Midwest Family Connections, Hope Street Team, Border City Connects, and the Lloydminster Native Friendship Centre shared data through a transportation questionnaire, which will help shape the plan for a pilot program.
Guest speaker Dawn Riley from Focus Society for Support Services in Vermilion told the group how her community solved a similar problem by doing it themselves.
“We raised $16,000 through local sponsors,” said Riley. “That covered wages, insurance, maintenance, and fuel for six months.”
Vermilion’s two-day-a-week bus service began as a pilot in February and became permanent in August. It started small, with one accessible van and volunteer drivers. Now it runs full most days.
“Our van runs full almost every day,” said Riley. “People depend on it.”
Local need grows louder
Her success story hit home. Around the table, service providers most of them from Lloydminster, discussed the daily realities for residents without vehicles, including long walks, high taxi fares, and missed appointments. Students and low-income families were among the hardest hit. Others raised safety concerns about local taxis and the lack of reliable options for those living downtown or off major routes.
Lane said the Hub wants to build a short-term pilot to show what’s possible.
“If we could do something for even three or six months and see the impact, that would give us the evidence to take back to the city,” said Lane.
The group agreed to collect more data from partner agencies before drafting a proposal.
For many around the table, the message was simple – stop waiting for permission.
“We can do this,” Lane said. “Together.”
Read more: City bylaw addresses Uber, Lyft; taxi safety concerns
Great story and great initiative. I hope that there is success and funding for this.