40 Years of Caring on the Move: The Legacy of the Care-A-Van Program
As Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes celebrates its 40th anniversary, we’re reflecting on the programs that have shaped our organization and made lasting impacts in the lives of local residents. One of those foundational services is our accessible transportation program — originally known as Care-A-Van, and now offered as part of our Specialized Transportation services.
From Idea to Impact: The Birth of Care-A-Van
The story begins in 1988, when a major survey funded by New Horizons, Health and Welfare Canada revealed a significant gap: residents of Victoria County with mobility challenges lacked accessible transportation. In response, the federal and provincial governments, along with the County of Victoria, joined forces with Victoria County Community Care (VCCC) to launch the Care-A-Van program in the fall of 1989.
With funding support from the Ministry of Community and Social Services, the first 11-passenger accessible van was purchased. Equipped with an electric lift, it marked the beginning of a service that would provide safe, dignified, and affordable transportation to those who needed it most.
Growth Through the 1990s
By the late 1990s, Care-A-Van had already made a profound difference. Between 1990 and 1997 alone, the program had served 13,984 passengers, including 2,715 wheelchair users, and travelled 459,496 kilometres across Victoria County.
As needs grew, so did the program. In 1994, Community Care introduced a smaller van, better suited to carry both wheelchair and ambulatory passengers. The new model was more comfortable, provided a warmer ride in the winter, and fostered greater interaction between clients and drivers.
Care-A-Van was more than just a ride. It empowered people to attend medical appointments, shop for groceries, and stay socially connected. This is something that continues with our transportation services today. Evening and weekend service soon became a regular offering, and the program thrived thanks to the continued support of government partners, service clubs, and generous donors.
From Care-A-Van to Specialized Transportation
Today, the program that began as Care-A-Van has evolved into Specialized Transportation — a modern, inclusive service that continues to meet the diverse mobility needs of people across the City of Kawartha Lakes. This past year alone our Specialized Transportation drivers travelled over 270,000 kilometers and provided 13,418 rides for our clients.
Community Care’s Specialized Transportation program offers safe, reliable, and affordable door-to-door service for individuals who use wheelchairs, stretchers, or require additional assistance. Whether it’s a medical appointment, social outing, or essential errand, our accessible vehicles and trained drivers ensure clients get where they need to go — with care and dignity.
We are proud to continue this legacy of service, making transportation accessible for those who need it most. You can visit www.ccckl.ca/transportation to learn more about this vital service.
Thank You for 40 Years of Support
The journey from Care-A-Van to today’s Specialized Transportation program is a reflection of our mission: to support the health, independence, and well-being of individuals across the lifespan. As we mark 40 years, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the community, our partners, and the many staff and volunteers who have helped drive this service forward.
We look forward to the road ahead.
