Stoney Nakoda Nations and Bearspaw First Nation are among six rural communities in Alberta benefiting from millions of dollars in federal funding for public transit.
The federal government recently announced more than $3.4 million through its Rural Transit Solutions Fund (RTSF) for projects around the province.
In Stoney Nakoda Nations territory, more than $2.3 million will buy six buses and create on-demand transit and related infrastructure, better connecting residents to Cochrane, Mînî Thnî (Morley) and the Bow Valley Corridor, the federal government said.
On Bearspaw First Nation, part of the Stoney Nakoda Nations, over $200,000 will go towards three transit vehicles in Eden Valley, a community 70 kilometres southwest of Okotoks.
At least 10 per cent of RTSF funding is for projects that benefit Indigenous populations and communities, the federal government said.
In a statement, Stoney Nakoda Nation Chiefs welcomed the funding and said it will help the nation’s transit system.
“The new buses and associated infrastructure will provide a more reliable, safe and secure transit program for our people in the Mînî Thnî area,” the statement said.
Calgary Skyview Liberal MP George Chahal said more transit options will help residents travel in their communities and access essential services more easily.
“The projects we are announcing today demonstrate our commitment to better connecting communities across the country, whether urban or rural,” Chahal said.
Since 2015, the federal government said it has committed over $30 billion to public transit and active transportation projects, resulting in almost 2,000 projects in Canada.
