The meeting opened on time with thirty-three attending, including Peter and Christine, prospective members, and ADG Brenda Hellyer, certified by Colin, Sgt @ Arms. President Howard advised the Club that the presentation of a Certificate of Appreciation to Kimball Lacey would be postponed to a more suitable time. 

 

Dave R introduced Shelly Ackers who, after twenty years in profit and non-profit ventures, has been a Director at Quinte Access, now Quinte Transit since 2006. Currently Executive Director, Shelly’s is a familiar face at the Club since she has presented to us regularly in the past.

 

Shelly began her presentation by sharing that 2020-21 had been one of the busiest years ever for Quinte Transit in spite of the fact that capacity had to be drastically reduced, to begin with, as a result of the pandemic. Community Care for Seniors had initially to cancel all volunteer transport but Quinte Transit still made 6000 journeys during the year. The change of scope and name of the service had changed in September 2020. Not the best time, arguably, but quickly revealing the importance and need of the transportation options provided, for so many people. 

 

Shelly used graphics to explain all aspects of the expanded service: Specialized door-to-door for those with disabilities or 60 and up: Fixed Route from Picton to Belleville via Bloomfied with additional possible stops at Wellington, Consecon, Carrying Place and including Belleville bus and train stations if required: On-demand and Flex Service. With so many options, the best way is to call Quinte Transit and explain the need. They will customize your journey for you, effectively.  Click HERE to access the Quinte Transit website for more information. 

 

Shelly said that use of the services is rapidly returning to pre-Covid levels with the important psychological benefits that moving around freely again will bring. She then took questions from Phyo, Brenda and others regarding the length of this pilot project, turn-around times, and certain sources of revenue including community organisations like Rotary, the gas tax, some advertising, municipal funding and ridership. Shelly was thanked by Phyo.

 

In Club business, Bill’s immediate bottle requirements were met, there was a reminder re the District Conference this week-end and Ted requested some help changing the Porta-potties on the Trail. David H’s and Margo’s birthdays were congratulated upon and likewise Barry on his anniversary. The meeting closed after the Four Way Test at 7.56.