Kincardine Council has approved a motion that would have the municipality enter into an agreement with Saugeen Mobility and Regional Transit (SMART).
The motion initially put forward would commit funding for enhanced accessible transportation services.
The money would come from the Community Benefits Reserve Fund.
The agreement would commit the Municipality of Kincardine to purchase a used 9-passenger van that would be used after the operating hours for Saugeen Mobility, which only operates until 3pm on weekdays.
The van would be purchased with money from the Equipment Replacement Reserve Fund.
The initial users of the service would be those who meet SMART eligibility requirements.
Councillor Mike Hinchberger says that the availability may open later to those who might not qualify, but are unable to have a vehicle of their own.
“Some around the table have expressed reservations about the this proposal on the grounds that what we really need in the area is a transportation service to help no only those who meet the eligibility of the SMART criteria,” says Hinchberger. “Which involves the physical inability to use conventional transportation, but also those who might because of socio-econonmic conditions may not have access to their own transportation. A vehicle owned by the MoK provides clear paths to this scenario than does attempting to overhaul the SMART operating model.”
Deputy Mayor Andrea Clarke says that the one-year pilot that is proposed would have more benefit than drawback.
“Let’s see how the program goes,” she says. “I’m hoping that the council will support this because I think much have what we have stated in terms of our strategic initiatives has been that about creating an accessible, inclusive community.”
The municipality’s Accessibility Advisory Committee has already contributed their thoughts on the topic, and is in favour of implementing an after-hours service.
Council voted to allocate $200,000 in the 2025 Operating Budget to fund the trial, with $40,000 to fund operating costs through addition to the tax levy, and $160,000 to fund the purchase of the 9-passenger van.
