Use gas tax for transportation!

Jan. 16, Caledon councillors received a delegation from Caledon Community Services. CCS requested that 1% of the federal Gas Tax Rebate (which has been totally invested in road/bridge repairs) be reallocated to the agency's Transportation Program.

The delegation, led by Monty Laskin, executive director and Dave Lostchuk, board treasurer and transportation program client, noted that the federal gas tax money, approximately $675,000, can be spent by the Town on anything that is transportation related. This could include supporting a charitable organization's specialized transportation services for seniors and the disabled.

Everyone in Caledon is aware that our Town lacks a public transport system. What many people are not aware of though, is that CCS has developed a transportation program for seniors and people with disabilities. This program has long been recognized by the Ministry of Transportation as a model for other small rural communities throughout Ontario.

Criteria for the service at $2.50 per ride anywhere in Caledon are individuals 60+ living in the Town of Caledon; Caledon residents of any age with mental or physical disabilities that prevent them from driving; residents living in Family Transition Place in Orangeville; Ontario Works clients needing rides to work related appointments; CCS social assistance clients needing rides to essential social services.

It's important to note that this investment in public transportation keeps our community strong by supporting family care members who would otherwise be forced to leave other responsibilities to attend to their elderly, ill or disabled relatives. It also keeps our most marginalized residents active and involved in the community's business. This is truly the essence of a caring community!

Current funding from the Ministry of Health has provided for the purchase of new vehicles, ongoing maintenance, gas, drivers, schedulers, etc. The program, however, is exploding.

Since the end of fiscal 2004/05, it has seen a 23% increase in usage and now needs an infusion of sustainable capital that will allow it to meet emerging demands.

The Town's contribution of 1% of the federal rebate (approximately $7,000.) opens up possibilities for an influx of funding from provincial gas tax money, which is available to municipalities with some form of public transit. Without the Town's contribution, this door remains closed.

Council, which is currently deliberating the Town's 2007 budget, must pass a motion that will guide the allocation of the federal Gas Tax Rebate. Directing the entire allocation to public works can have the unintended effect of denying some of our community's most marginalized residents the support to freely work, shop and attend medical appointments within their own community.

Let us hope that our current council, newly enlightened with the information brought forth by the delegation from CCS, sees fit to change this.

Stan Shabason

Board Chair Caledon Community Services