Portage Handi-van has some new wheels. They unveiled their new van yesterday morning and Executive Director Delores Gumowsky says it will replace one of their old vans which was having maintenance issues.

"It was just nickel and dime-ing us to death," says Gumowsky. "It was constantly in the garage, you couldn't even trust it to go anywhere so we needed to have it replaced. Besides, we need to have the vans replaced on a regular basis anywhere up to ten years."

The new van was funded through a partnership between the federal, provincial and municipal governments, the Community Foundation of Portage, as well as through a few private donations. It seats up to 14 people, or eight people and four wheelchairs. Gumowsky says it also has a number of features, including an extra-wide lift, lower than average steps into the bus, extra handrails and extra heating and air conditioning units.

Mayor Irvine Ferris notes having these types of transit options in our city is really important because they make the community more accessible and ensure people aren't being left out because of mobility challenges.

The newest van is already in use.