We have been keeping a secret and we have finally been able to share with our community partners.
Thanks to the $100,000 Capital grant we received last year from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation, we are proud to announce that a wheelchair accessible Grand Caravan has been added to our fleet. This investment has helped us to improve safe, reliable, and inclusive transportation for the individuals we support in the Red Lake and Ear Falls District.
“Accessible transportation plays a critical role in helping people connect to employment, medical appointments, recreation and community activities, and everyday opportunities that promote independence and inclusion,” said Jennifer Parsons, Executive Director, Harmony Centre Community Living. “”Affordable and accessible transportation is a foundational barrier that many of the those we support face and with our partners support we are addressing this barrier.”
“I am delighted that the Ontario Trillium Foundation has provided funding for Harmony Centre to purchase a wheelchair-accessible van,” said Sol Mamakwa, MPP for Kiiwetinoong who was on a virtual call with us on May 20th. “Access to transportation means access to community, especially in the North. This new van opens doors for people with mobility challenges, strengthening community connection where it’s needed most.”
Mayor Fred Mota said this week of the purchase, “On behalf of the Municipality, I want to congratulate Harmony Centre for Community Living on receiving this Ontario Trillium Foundation grant. Accessible transportation is essential to building an inclusive community, and this investment will help ensure that the individuals supported by Harmony Centre can continue to participate fully in community life with dignity, safety, and independence. We are proud to see organizations like Harmony Centre continuing to demonstrate leadership and commitment to accessibility in our region.”
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. In 2025-26, OTF invested nearly $107M into 746 community projects. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment.
Visit otf.ca to learn more.
