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Red Deer County looks at expanding public transit into Penhold, Innisfail

Long desired by some of Central Alberta’s small towns, Red Deer County is exploring a public transit link between Innisfail, Penhold, and Red Deer.
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Long desired by some of Central Alberta’s small towns, Red Deer County is exploring a public transit link between Innisfail, Penhold, and Red Deer.

County council approved a grant application for a pilot program between the three communities. The county will be the managing partner. The proposal would expand the existing transit service from Springbrook into Red Deer to include Penhold and Innisfail.

“Our neighbouring communities have identified a need to have bus transit into the city,” said Red Deer County Mayor Jim Wood. “I think this grant will identify what may or may not work with such a proposal. It may identify who would have to pay for such a proposal.

“I think it’s important we continue to work with our urban neighbours.”

The grant provides up to $350,000 per year for two years, depending on the size and scope of the project.

According to Alberta Transportation, the program’s focus is to improve public transportation between Alberta’s mid-sized urban centres and their surrounding communities.

The grant does not commit the County to expand its existing service, but will help facilitate a report presented to the communities involved. Afterwards there will be discussions about service levels and format, if the partners choose to continue.

Coun. Philip Massier and Richard Lorenz voted against the motion, with Massier hesitant about accepting free money.

“It’s that upper level government free money that gets you hooked on it and then you buy a bus,” he said. “I don’t think this bus is going to stop at the farmyards and pick up our ratepayers. I think we should support Innisfail and Penhold.”

The county does have its own transit system working in conjunction with the City of Red Deer.

“Public transit never pays for itself through its fees,” said Wood. “It often pays for itself by the economic development it creates within our community.”

City administration said Penhold has long been interested in getting transit into its community.

“I know transportation came forward in our recent county needs assessment,” said Coun. Christine Moore. “As the county changes, it’s something we need.”



mcrawford@reddeeradvocate.com

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