Canada and Nova Scotia to provide joint funding of up to C$869,650 to enable the Central Highlands Association of the Disabled to purchase five new vehicles
The government of Canada and government of Nova Scotia will provide joint funding of up to C$869,650 (US$649,658) to enable the Central Highlands Association of the Disabled (CHAD), a non-profit organization in Pictou County, to purchase five new vehicles.
These new vehicles will enable CHAD to offer increased transit service coverage across Pictou County. The additional vehicles will extend CHAD's door-to-door, scheduled runs and charter transportation services across six municipalities within Pictou County. These vehicles will increase the route coverage and accessibility for vulnerable populations, notably Canadians living with disabilities and seniors, and will allow CHAD to serve more people with fewer trips. This will enhance the quality of life of local residents by making it easier for them to do their day-to-day activities, such as going to work and attending medical appointments, as well as social activities.
These transit options will help low and fixed-income Pictou County residents get around their communities and access programs and services more comfortably and affordably. This investment will make the region more inclusive and accessible for all.
"Public transit options should be available to all Canadians, no matter where they live. The government of Canada's support for CHAD’s purchase of new vehicles will help improve the quality of life for residents in Pictou County. Thanks to this project and others like it across the country, we are helping residents in rural and remote communities gain mobility options, access jobs and essential services and reduce their need to own a private vehicle,” said Sean Fraser, minister of immigration, refugees and citizenship and member of parliament for Central Nova.
"The Chad Transit has created a valuable service for residents that otherwise would not have the means to travel within our community. Appointments for medical reasons and grocery shopping are things the majority of us take for granted and simply hop in our vehicles and be on our way. CHAD Transit being available to our constituents is greatly appreciated and widely utilized allowing all of our residents the ability to accommodate daily responsibilities,” said Pat Dunn, minister of communities, culture, tourism and member of the Legislative Assembly for Pictou Centre.
"CHAD Transit is thrilled with the recent announcement from the federal government regarding the Rural Transit Solutions Fund. We received funding for 80 percent of the cost of four new buses and one 10-passenger vehicle. The Province of Nova Scotia covers the other 20 percent. This project, costing C$840,171 (US$627,679), is the largest one-time transit investment in the history of Pictou County. It could not come at a better time. CHAD Transit needs this investment in order to continue properly serving our community,” said Danny MacGillivray, executive director, CHAD Transit.
The government of Canada is investing up to C$695,720 (US$520,109) in this project while the government of Nova Scotia is investing C$173,930 (US$130,027). The government of Canada's funding comes from the Rural Transit Solutions Fund.
The Rural Transit Solutions Fund, which is part of the Permanent Public Transit Fund, will provide C$250 million (US$186 million) over five years to help Canadians living in rural and remote areas get around their communities more easily. It supports the development of rural transit solutions, including new transit service models that could be replicated or scaled up.
One in five Canadians live in rural communities. Rural communities in Canada account for nearly 30 percent of the nation's gross domestic product.
