(File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Funding Needed

P.A. Community Service Centre looking for increase in specialized transportation budget

Nov 2, 2021 | 2:00 PM

Budget talks are starting up for the City of Prince Albert and one organization is already asking for an increase in funding.

The Community Service Centre presented to P.A.’s council on Monday where they asked for roughly $586,000 to continue offering specialized transportation at its current level.

This is around $48,000 more than their approved budget for 2021.

Bill Powalinsky, CEO of the Community Service Centre, told paNOW without the funds they would have to make some tough decisions.

“At some point in time, we would have to take a very serious and hard look at what we would be able to afford to do and what buses we could keep on the road.”

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The biggest hits would be to evening and weekend services.

The City of P.A. previously provided funding back in 2016 to expand the hours of operation for paratransit.

However, expenses for the entire specialized transportation budget have increased by over $83,000 since that time.

The Community Service Centre is also looking for an additional $34,000 to help those currently on a waitlist for paratransit.

Currently, 21 individuals need their services.

The lack of help has forced some to stay home, defer appointments, and have family drive them around town.

Powalinsky added these funds aren’t just a secondary ask but a major need for several community members.

“We’d be able to really significantly cut down the number of people who are missing trips, the turn-aways, and the unfulfilled trips.”

Meanwhile, P.A.’s council is scheduled to meet seven times in November and early December where they’ll look to finalize the budget.

Four other organizations, the Prince Albert Public Library, Prince Albert Historical Society, Prince Albert Arts Board, and Mann Art Gallery, also presented their budget requests on Monday.

The library needs around $65,000 to continue offering services at its current level, while the historical society is asking for an additional $30,000 to help pay for a museum educator.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow