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By Sheldon Spackman

Better Awareness Needed

Council defeats motion to explore expanded use of Connex bus service in Lacombe

Nov 22, 2019 | 2:10 PM

A proposal to explore the possible expanded use of Lacombe’s Connex bus service has been defeated by city council.

On Tuesday, council defeated a notice of motion introduced by councillor Don Gullekson last month, to explore intra-community public transit options in Lacombe, including the expanded use of Connex, a need Gullekson said he heard about from numerous residents over the summer.

“BOLT wasn’t providing that, BOLT was inter-community transit which was taking people out of our community and bringing people back obviously, but nothing within our community,” said Gullekson. “We have Connex right now, which to me provides a service that is absolutely vital for a number of our citizens. They utilize it on a regular basis and it provides transportation to people with handicaps and special needs, and I think it’s critical that we continue that service.”

However, Gullekson suggested allowing more people to ride it, thereby helping to reduce the high cost of operating it within city boundaries.

“I would like administration to take a look at our possibilities, and I don’t think we need a study,” added Gullekson. “I think there’s enough studies done out there already on similar communities, such as Cochrane and Leduc. And at the same time, (we can) still maintain our critical need for Connex for our citizens that have special needs.”

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Fellow councillor Chris Ross expressed mixed feelings over the idea.

“There is opportunity for it,” admits Ross. “Are we in a position to significantly fund it? I think the timing could be better, maybe later in the 2021 budget year if an option is there.”

Councillor Reuben Konnik agreed, saying the timing doesn’t seem right.

“I think as we build out further to the east, and to the west, and to the north, as our community grows, absolutely,” exclaimed Konnik. “I’ve said that before, I think that would be a time then to explore the idea of intra-community public transit. I don’t think that’s now, I think we need to grow more.”

Gullekson later added that he wants to see Connex expanded and used more often and efficiently than it currently is.

“We need to look at this system and make it work a little bit better,” he explained. “If administration looks at this and says we’re not ready for public transit, that’s part of this, and I would not disagree with that if that’s what comes out of this. But I would like to make sure that we use our Connex buses properly and make sure we’re getting full value for what we’re putting into it.”

After further discussion and requests for clarification on his intent, Gullekson amended his notice of motion, “To direct administration to prepare a report to the community, outlining the possibilities of an expanded use of Connex within the city of Lacombe.”

Gullekson’s motion was defeated by a 4-3 vote, with those opposed including councillors, Cora Hoekstra, Thalia Hibbs, Reuben Konnik and Mayor Grant Creasey.

Creasey wrapped up discussion by acknowledging a need for the City to better portray Connex to the public, both in terms of scheduling options and service availability.

“Hopefully between administration and FCSS (Family and Community Support Services), those can be improved,” said Creasey.