Keitha Miller, a resident of Pleasant Valley Manor in Armstrong, outside the new senior bus. (photo courtesy of Interior Health)

By Liam Verster

Supporting Seniors

New bus service to help North Okanagan seniors access activities, amenities

Jun 16, 2025 | 4:24 PM

A custom-built recreation bus has been dispatched in the North Okanagan to help seniors with mobility issues take day trips and outings.

Interior Health said the bus will be used to help transport the 113 long-term care residents at Armstrong’s Pleasant Valley Manor and Parkview Place in Enderby so they can get out and access services and amenities in their communities, neither of which has taxi or HandiDart services.

“Our residents have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of this bus,” stated Meredith Grey, the interim clinical operations manager of Parkview Place and Pleasant Valley Manor.

“Many of our residents face physical limitations that make it difficult to access the community. The freedom and joy they experience when they can leave the care homes significantly improves their quality of life and is truly invaluable.”

The bus is fully accessible and equipped with a wheelchair lift, appropriate seating, tie-downs for at least four wheelchairs, and proper seatbelts.

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“We’re incredibly grateful to have partnered with Armstrong Spallumcheen Healthcare Auxiliary (ASHA) in offering residents a doorway into fun and adventures,” said Kate McBrearty, executive director of Vernon Jubilee Hospital (VJH) Foundation.

“They, like us, know that this long-awaited vehicle will have a profound impact on the lives of the residents, providing them with opportunities for meaningful community connections and experience the joy of outings.”

Grey added that a variety of outings have already been planned, including scenic drives; visits to the Armstrong IPE and to the Kingfisher Interpretive Centre: a trip to the Vernon Yacht Club for a “Heaven Can Wait” boat outing” and trips to restaurants, parks, concerts, hockey games, and more.

The bus was partially funded by a $65,000 contribution from ASHA and over $90,000 from community donations to the VJH Foundation.