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The IFP - Halton Hills | Thursday, December 2, 2021 | 10 theifp.ca CANADA’S EVERYTHING ON YOUR LIST...AND MORE IBNEWS PILOT PROJECT HELPING SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS Continued from page 1 vides specialized transpor- tation throughout the mu- nicipality for Halton Hills residents 65 and older and those with disabilities. The shuttle service to Oakville day through Friday, with a fare cost of $4 each way and res- ervations accepted up to 24 hours prior to travel. inning family of Acton is among those al- ready taking advantage of the new route, with son Jacob riding the tine to dents with intellectual and developmental challenges. ith no transportation provided by the Halton Dis- trict School Board for its program, mother Lisa Can- ning said getting Jacob to the hospital has been a challenge. Her husband, Evan, had been going into work late to drive Jacob in, then they were paying $80a day for cab fare to get him home. "We're very thankful for the Town of Halton Hills Oakville," she said, noting she feels the school board should be covering the Town of Halton Hills photo The ActiVan pilot project will run until June 30, 2022. transportation bill for its students in the hospital program. "It (the ActiVan service) provides some financial re- lief for our family." The new service was al- so lauded by those around the council table, including Ward 8 Coun. Moya John- ots certainly a great first step," she said during the November meeting proved. " lots of peut. vothing for sportation, and they need to get to Oakville. I'm absolutely thrilled to see this." The sentiment was ech- oed by Mayor Rick Bon- nette, along with Ward 3 Coun. Wendy Farrow-Reed, who said the shuttle is going to make a lot of local resi- dents happy and healthier. The 33-week pilot pro- gram is estimated to cost $37,000 to operate, which will be partially offset by fare box revenue. Staff will report back to council in the spring with an update on the pilot pro- ject and recommendations for next steps beyond June 0. For further details on eters for and book- ‘Van trip, visit https:/ "eh ly/8cWkEx3. STORY BEHIND THE STORY: With the demand Sor transit services often coming to the forefront in Halton Hills, we wanted to take a closer look at how this pilot project is going be benefit local residents. VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE AVAILABLE FOR KIDS SET TO ENTER KINDERGARTEN In an effort to make the transition to school easier, the Halton District School Board is offering families a virtual Kindergarten ¢ expe. rience, as person open snousesar are not kindergar- ten.hdsb.ca, _ three-year- olds can explore a kinder- garten classroom with vid- hae pictures and activities, parents/guardians can learn about the pro- gram, play-based learning, community resources in Halton and before and after school care. Families ¢ can also sign up to receive a welcome pack- age from the board, includ- ing a free children's book. Registration for kinder- garten begins in January vir- tual) through the school your child will attend. Tostart kindergarten i in e fall of 2022, dren must be four years old by Dec. 31, 2022 for Year 1 and five years old by Dec. 31, 2022 for Year 2.