Residents who rely on accessible transportation will soon benefit from two new, fully accessible vans added to the Okotoks Transit on-demand fleet, thanks to a generous donation from the Okotoks Lions Club. The club’s contribution was recognized during a key hand-off ceremony with club members and Lions Club President Stewart Thomas on November 3, 2025. This investment strengthens the Town’s commitment to providing safe, efficient and inclusive on-demand transportation options for all residents.
“We’re thrilled that the Okotoks Lions Club has donated these two new accessible vans. This donation is going to make such a meaningful difference in the lives of our residents,” said Town of Okotoks Mayor Tanya Thorn. “Accessible transportation is about more than mobility, it’s about independence and connection.”
"The first president of the first Lions Club in the world, Melvin Jones, declared our motto is “We Serve". These two mini vans will serve the whole Okotoks community, but especially those with mobility challenges,” said Stewart Thomas, President of the Lions Club of Okotoks. “Our club is proud to be able to enhance the life of those citizens with their transportation needs."
The first van will be ready for service in late November 2025, with the second expected to be operational by January 2026. While these vehicles are fully accessible, they will be seamlessly integrated into the existing on-demand transit service rotation.
Each van is fully accessible with a rear entry ramp and wheelchair retractor to assist passengers when boarding. Watch a video that demonstrates how the retractor works. Each vehicle can be configured to hold:
- Up to two wheelchairs of nearly any size and one able-bodied passenger
- One motorized scooter and one able-bodied passenger
- Or one wheelchair and three able-bodied passengers
With these new vehicles, the Town continues to deliver on the Municipal Development Plan and long-term vision for a multi-modal transportation system that supports an inclusive, sustainable and connected community. Learn more about Okotoks Transit service including both the on-demand and fixed route services at okotokstransit.ca.
About the Okotoks Lions Club
The Okotoks Lions Club is a long-standing community service organization, established in 1969, that supports a variety of local non-profits, initiatives and youth programs, primarily through its operation of the Okotoks Lions Campground. The club focuses on serving the community's needs and has contributed to countless projects over the years, including Foothills Advocacy in Motion, the Cancer Care Clinic, the Okotoks Food Bank, the Oilfields Hospital, children's lunch program and local high school scholarships. They are also known for their annual community events like the pancake breakfast on Okotoks Parade Day.
Lions Clubs International is the largest membership-based service organization in the world. It has 1.4 million members in more than 49,000 clubs that serve in 200 countries and geographic areas. Since 1917, Lions have improved health and well-being, strengthened communities and supported those in need, locally and globally with kindness and care. The Lions Clubs International motto is “We Serve.” Learn more at lionsclubs.org.
