UNITY – The Unity Recreation Department recently announced some changes to the rates of the handivan. Lisa Feser, recreation director, commented that the rates are changing due to the rising cost of maintenance and fuel prices.
The changes are for both in-town and out-of-town excursions. For in-town, the cost will be $20 plus an additional $5 per person aboard the vehicle. Out-of-town trips will be $20 plus 90 cents per kilometre.
These changes seem reasonable in some situations but not all. Paula Sittler, manager for Parkview Place, has already made changes to how the residents go on outings.
“We ask our volunteers if we can use their personal vehicles to drive our residents to outings. This allows residents to still be active and involved without being limited on funds.”
Parkview Place residents used the handivan often for most of their adventures. When the vehicle was out of commission for repairs, Sittler decided to call on volunteers.
Unity Long Term Care also uses the van for outings, usually to Parkview Place or A&W for coffee. Brianna Heck, activities co-ordinator for the facility, said the changes will affect the residents with fewer outings.
“We aim for weekly outings throughout the summer and two outings in the colder months. With the changes, outings will be much more limited.”
It was calculated that if either of the senior homes wishes to use the handivan for an in-town outing, with eight residents travelling, the cost would be $60. That does not include the cost of the actual activity.
A trip to North Battleford will cost close to $200.
Carolyn Loadman often uses the handivan to get her mom, Eileen Baptist, to and from appointments both in town and out of town. Loadman says she understands why the prices have to go up yet was confused about why the in-town pricing is so high now.
“To use the handivan in town was just a $5 cost. Now that it has gone up to $25, it will become a more costly trip for local appointments,” she says.
Feser says when booking the handivan through the town office, drivers will need to provide a valid Canadian driver’s licence and a valid credit card.
