The Friendship House Association of Prince Rupert received part of a $2 million community vehicles grant from the Province of B.C. last week as part of the Highway 16 Transportation Action Plan.
The program’s budget went from $800,000 to $2 million based on the number of applications and the capital costs of purchasing vehicles for organizations along the corridor.
The grant will pay up to 70 per cent or more of the purchase and operating costs of a community vehicle such as a van, minivan or bus.
The Friendship House’s 3 Sister Community Transportation Service was boosted by the funding.
Other communities with programs receiving funding include Gitanyow, Terrace, Vanderhoof, Takla Lake, Fraser Lake, Granisle and more, with 12 organizations in all.
Information on how much money the Friendship House received and what it is being used for was not available at press time.
“This safe ride service will help everyone, but it will especially be helpful for women, teenagers, elders and seniors who want to catch a safe ride to their destination, and didn’t have options in the past,” said Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation John Rustad.