In back, left to right, are Roger Maure (Smoky River Transportation Program driver), Rodrique Ouellet, Edgar Ceres, Raymond Arcand, Leon Lepage & Fr. Jean Cleestin. Photo courtesy of Smoky River Family and Community Support Services.
Smoky River Family and Community Support Services – In Focus
Georgia Dubois
Director
Smoky River FCSS
The Smoky River Community Transportation began more than 10 years ago and is unique to the Smoky River region.
General operating funds are derived through rider fees as well as the generous contributions from the municipalities of Donnelly, Falher, Girouxville, McLennan, as well as the M.D. of Smoky River #130, and is the only program of its kind in Alberta.
The program is administered by Smoky River FCSS, who in turn schedule, maintain and ensure all drivers, licensing, inspection and insurance requirements are met.
The Smoky River Transportation Committee comprised of members from all contributing municipalities as well as the Director of FCSS, and meet about four times a year.
This ridership for this program has includes anyone who resides in the region, and in some cases outside our region.
This service is not limited to wheelchair or seniors’ only. Trips to Grande Prairie and Peace River allow residents to attend doctor and specialist appointments while also providing a chance to socialize and visit family.
In addition, special trips are planned throughout the year that provides fun and laughter while giving people a chance to discover some of the wonders of the Peace Country.
The program also provides transportation for participants in the Summer Youth Program as well as providing transportation for other youth who participate in FCSS programming.
The community van can also be rented by individuals or organizations who reside within region (some restrictions apply).
The program has obtained a second smaller wheelchair accessible van to provide a much needed shuttle service between the various municipalities of the Smoky River Region.
The launch of the shuttle service will begin sometime in 2016.
For example, on October 3, 2015, a group of residents in the Smoky River Region rented the Smoky River Transportation Program Community bus to attend the sharing of the Missionary Flame at the Archdiocese of Grouard-McLennan in Grande Prairie.
The OPM Canada (Oeuvres pontificales missionaries) is the Francaphone chapter of the Pontifical Missions Societies in Canada, operating in dioceses across the country.
They inform Canadian Catholics about the worldwide missionary work being done and encourage their participation in it.
Call our office at (780) 837-2220 if you would like a transportation schedule mailed to you or if you would like to put your name on the list to take a trip.