AH had a lot to do with landing bus service grant

Craig Bakay | Nov 18, 2019

One aspect of last week’s story on the new bus service from Land O’Lakes Community Services is the role the Township played, said community bus coordinator Katie Turl. “LOLCS approached Addington Highlands and the Township approached MTO and put in some money.

“(CAO/Clerk-Treasurer) Christine Reed put it all together.”

“We applied for the grant because only certain organizations are eligible to apply,” Reed said. “It seems like a long time ago, there was a Liberal government when we made the application.”

Reed said the Township pledged $2,000 annually for five years originally (now down to four years) in order to sweeten the application.

“These applications are looked upon more favourably if there’s local support,” Reed said. “It’s not a large financial contribution from us but we are partnering with MTO, who put in $265,505 in provincial funds.”

Reed said the community bus program is scheduled to continue until 2023, at which time it will be re-evaluated based on usage.

“The more it’s used, the greater the chance it will be sustained beyond the funding period,” she said.

Initially, LOLCS will be operating trips to Belleville (Nov. 28). Renfrew (Dec. 5) and Kingston (Dec. 19). These are designed as Christmas shopping excursions but once riders are at the destination, they’re free to do what they want (ie. medical appointments, socializing, etc).

To book a trip or for more information, contact Land O’Lakes Community Services at 613-336-8934, toll-free at 1-877-679-6636 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..