The town of Bonnyville has decided not to provide funding support to Lakeland Non-Emergency Medical Transport (LNEMT), citing ongoing discussions within Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) to address regional transportation needs.
During the November 12 council meeting a funding request from LNEMT for $3,000 to $5,000 was reviewed and denied.
Lakeland Non-Emergency Medical Transport had requested financial assistance to support its operations, that provide essential non-emergency medical transportation services to elderly and disabled residents across Nothern Alberta. According to the request, a $3,000 contribution could have supported 10-15 local trips, covering expenses like fuel and wages.
While acknowledging the importance of LNMET’s services, the council agreed with administration’s recommendation to deny the request, noting ongoing efforts to explore broader more sustainable solutions. Coun. Kayla Blanchette praised LNMET’s initiative but expressed alignment with the administration’s stance.
“Transportation is a barrier for folks living in rural Alberta,” Blanchette said. “Kudos to these folks for alleviating some of that stress, but I would agree with the staff recommendation that we deny this request at least for now.”
The administration highlighted the M.D. of Bonnyville’s seniors’ transportation grant and the town’s research into potential programs to address regional transportation challenges. Blanchette added that she and other council members have been part of ongoing discussions through FCSS, aimed at developing a more comprehensive approach to transportation issues.
Blanchette stated that it would not be wise to support this at the moment because they are working on finding a more sustainable solution at a higher level.
Coun. Byron Johnson raised concerns about LNMET’s application, pointing out that it listed itself as a for-profit organization.
“If it is a business for profit, I wouldn’t be in favour of this for sure,” Johnson said, echoing the need for long-term solutions.
Coun. Phil Kushnir and Coun. David Sharun emphasized the pressing need for non-emergency medical transportation in the region. Sharun highlighted how the current lack of service contributes to the overuse of ambulances for non-urgent cases, such as responding to seniors who fall.
Sharun explained that staff at the Bonnylodge are not permitted to assist residents who fall, so they must call EMS to transport them to hospital for a wellness check, after which the resident either stays at the hospital or returns to the lodge. This results in 10 to 15 falls per week, which impacts EMS availability.
Coun. Sharun concluded by urging a broader perspective on addressing transportation needs, reinforcing council’s consensus to focus on regional, sustainable solutions rather than individual funding requests.
The town plans on continuing its discussion within FCSS and other partnerships to explore comprehensive approaches to non-emergency medical transportation in the region.
