April 30 2014
By Chad Ingram

Transportation could go a long way in battling poverty in Haliburton County.

At their April 23 meeting county councillors heard from Mike Perry executive director of the City of Kawartha Lakes Family Health Team and a lead on the poverty reduction strategy for Haliburton County and the City of Kawartha Lakes.

A 2012 report part of the ongoing development of the strategy identified five major themes in dealing with poverty; employment transportation child care food and basic needs and housing.

There have been consultations including focus groups and surveys one aimed specifically at those struggling financially.

“The No. 1 response to what could help get a job was affordable and accessible transportation” Perry told councillors.

He said transportation was also the No. 1 response to what could help people with access to child care.

One suggested method of improving access to transportation is ride-sharing – carpooling.

Another is designating empty seats on school buses for public use.

“They’re on the road anyway” Perry said.

Another suggestion is the continued creation of bike lanes and infrastructure to make the community more cyclist-friendly.