RR Chamber driving efforts for Handi-van

By Melanie Murray
RR Chamber of Commerce

On March 3rd representatives from Stratton, Morson, Bergland and Rainy River met to discuss the problem of the lack of public transportation into or out of the west end of our District.
A handi-van could service all the Communities west of Emo for Medical as well as provide personal transportation needs. It may travel to Fort Frances, Thunder Bay, Kenora and Winnipeg. This will be decided as the information comes in. The committee plans to work closely with the Medical Clinics as they book out of town appts.
Emo Handi-van Committee Rep. Patti Labbee and Emo Chamber Pres., Colleen Venncchenko were present. Patti explained to is how Emo’s Handi-Van started, their funding/fund raising and daily issues of running the van.
After much discussion it was decided that petitions will be placed throughout the area in support of this public transportation. They are available at the Stratton Coffee Café, Petersons Grocery, Bergland Café, Morson Shopping Centre, Rainy River Bakery, as well as at various Churches.
They are also doing a mass mailing of a survey this week. This will provide them with the numbers that will actually use this van and determine its viability. After all info. is collected and it is determined to be viable, the committee will then seek funding for our project.
Surveys can be returned by Apr. 9th at Stratton (Coffee Café & Grocery Store) Morson (Shopping Centre) Bergland (Grocery Store & Café) Sleeman (Lowes Lumber) & Rainy River (Susan’s Corner Store, Wood’s Quality Bakery & Rainy River Medical Clinic).
The next meeting of the committee is scheduled for Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at the Wood’s Quality Bakery in Rainy River. If you are interested on becoming a committee member please feel free to attend or contact Melanie Murray at 852-3308.