Without access to public transportation in rural communities a lot of people depend on local Handi-Van services, including the municipality of Emerson-Franklin.

The municipality's handi-van was originally purchased from the town of Emerson for $13,500 just prior to municipal amalgamation. The van has travelled many miles over the years and now poses some concern in terms of safety, reliability, and accommodation. CAO Tracey French says it's has passed it's expiry date.

French says that's why Emerson-Franklin council applied for a grant in 2016 to help offset the cost of a replacement vehicle.

"We found out last month that our Handi-Van grant was approved. We took the opportunity to apply for the funding because as we know it's not always available and one of the benefits this time around is the Municipality is only responsible for contributing 25% which we have estimated to not be more than $27,000, so the other 75% will be funded by the province and the federal government," explained French.

French added that the total cost for the new Handi-Van is estimated at $110,000, noting they are still shopping for the new vehicle and should have one ready to go within the next couple of months.