This project aims to strengthen community connections between Parkbus riders in urban areas and isolated South Algonquin residents by funding affordable, accessible transportation that links people with new experiences, services, and opportunities they wouldn't otherwise have access to.
Spending time in nature is proven to lower stress, improve mood, and boost immune and cardiovascular health—benefits well documented through forest-bathing and outdoor wellness research. Urban Parkbus riders will gain affordable access to these physical and mental health benefits, while local residents in South Algonquin—especially those without vehicles—will benefit from increased independence, new employment opportunities and mobility options through a community shuttle service available because of Parkbus's presence in the community.
We are seeking funding for two key activities:
Ticket Subsidies: To make overnight trips to South Algonquin more affordable and inclusive for Parkbus riders, increasing ridership and optimizing program capacity.
Local Shuttle Service: In partnership with the South Algonquin Business Alliance, to establish a shared shuttle connecting Parkbus visitors with Whitney’s businesses, amenities, and Algonquin Park trails—improving access across a township spanning over 800 square kilometres, and South Algonquin residents with services inside and outside the community when the shuttle is not in use by Parkbus.
Together, these initiatives will enhance wellbeing, reduce social isolation, create jobs, and build two stronger, more connected communities.
This project brings two communities together to help serve everyone’s needs.
The Parkbus community is made up of people who value time in nature but often lack access to it due to transportation, cost, or other barriers. This project helps make the restorative power of the outdoors—proven to reduce stress, improve mental health, and foster social connection—accessible to more people, regardless of income or location. By subsidizing trips and partnering with South Algonquin to create a local shuttle, Parkbus can offer participants a fuller, more connected experience: exploring trails, meeting local residents, and discovering small-town hospitality. The project gets people outside, but also builds a healthier, more inclusive outdoor community where everyone can share in the benefits of nature.
At the same time, South Algonquin is a remote rural township with no public transportation, few year-round job opportunities, and an aging population facing increasing social isolation. Many residents, especially women and seniors, experience underemployment or rely on social assistance due to the seasonal nature of tourism and the absence of local transit. Many residents do not have their own transportation to access services out of town. There is a great need here for both more tourism and some form of transit system.
By creating a shared shuttle service and increasing access to affordable travel through Parkbus, this project helps address these challenges directly—connecting people to jobs, services, and social opportunities while supporting small businesses that rely on visitor spending. It’s a practical way to reduce isolation, extend the tourism season, and build a stronger, more inclusive local economy.
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Seniors in Whitney need all the help they can receive. Modernize the kitchen, supply bus transportation for shopping, medical appointments
This is a win-win project – for the people of South Algonquin who have no access to public transit and for park visitors keen to explore the local villages.
Our older folks who do not drive will benefit having transportation options as well as the community will benefit financially with increased tourism
The park bus would be an asset for sure too many in our small community
Park bus would definitely be an asset for many in our small community
This program helps bridge the gap between our remote township and the wider world, creating new opportunities for local businesses, tourism, and connection. With our township’s limited resources, we rely heavily on initiatives like this to bring life, collaboration, and economic benefit to the region. It absolutely deserves funding and support , not just for what it does, but for what it inspires.