Good Companions seniors centre wants adjustment to OC Transpo system

The Good Companions, a seniors centre on Albert Street, says it's losing members and volunteers since OC Transpo changed bus routes in their area.

Executive director Monique Doolittle-Romas says the centre has about 1000 members, and 56 per cent of those use OC Transpo to get to the building. 

“We've gone from 10 OC Transpo buses in front of the centre, stopping every few minutes, to one every half hour.”

She says it also doesn't connect with Pimisi, which is the closest LRT station.

Pimisi is roughly 300 metres away, which is within the sufficient policy requirements for OC Transpo, but Doolittle-Ramos says there's policy and then there's reality.

“That is a challenge for seniors with mobility issues,” she explained, adding that “Many of them have already started to tell us when the winter comes they will not be coming to the centre.”

The executive director says they've already started to see a drop in attendance.

“We were down to about 75 per cent capacity (Thursday), our coffee club; which attracts 40 seniors, was down to 15 people,” explained Doolittle Romas, adding that “It was only October, I'm very concerned when the winter months come.”

The executive director said it's extremely important for seniors to come down to the centre during the winter time, or they will be shut in and could face serious health issues, bouts of depression or feelings of isolation. 

“An adjustment to the OC Transpo system could really prevent all of that.”

The centre also offers 100 programs and services, including fitness programs, transportation to medical appointments and holiday activities. Doolittle-Romas says she's happy that OC Transpo and the Mayor's office have agreed to a meeting.

“Hopefully we can find a resolution.”