VANCOUVER - BC NDP candidates Sunita Dhir (Vancouver-Langara) and Aman Singh (Vancouver-Fraserview) today announced a new $5 million fund for community shuttles serving neighbourhoods across British Columbia.

The first shuttles to be funded will be two new community shuttles serving the Sunset neighbourhood.

The 15-passenger, wheelchair-accessible shuttles will bring seniors to the newly-opened Sunset Seniors Centre. They will help seniors who might otherwise struggle with mobility challenges access programming at the seniors centre - such as fitness classes and wellness courses in Punjabi and Chinese, community meals and community outings. These services provide seniors with physical activity and social connection, which are critical to their well-being.

“The Sunset Seniors Centre is such an important addition to our community. It brings people together, provides a place for seniors to connect and to socialize, and in doing so, makes our community stronger and more vibrant,” said Sunita Dhir. “These new shuttles will improve access and make sure the centre’s programming is available to everyone.”

These shuttles will be operated by the Sunset Community Association, which jointly governs the Sunset Community Centre with the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation, and the Khalsa Diwan Society, which has served Vancouver’s Sikh community for over a century.

“Our neighbourhoods are stronger when people can age with dignity, connected to friends, family and the broader community,” said Aman Singh. “So many seniors I speak to tell me about how important community and connection are to their quality of life. Services like these shuttles help them stay connected, socialize, and live well.”

The $5 million fund will support community shuttles for seniors centres, like in South Vancouver, as well as community centres serving kids, people living with disabilities and others who need help to access services or attend organized field trips.