The new Flin Flon Lions Club Handivan raises the bar above its predecessor in several ways.
The glossy white van features better suspension and a smaller, more fuel-efficient engine. The vehicle is also front-wheel drive, seen as a plus for winter conditions.
More importantly, the van’s drivers require a standard class 5 licence. A regulatory change meant only class 4 drivers could operate the last van, resulting in a driver shortage and a temporary halt to the service.
“Anybody could drive it, really,” said Ken Mansell, chairman of the Lions Club’s handivan committee, as he surveyed the new vehicle.
Mansell and handivan driver coordinator Rick Hurst displayed the van in the Victoria Inn parking lot last week, inviting club members and the media to an up-close look.
In September 2016, the Lions became aware of a regulatory change that counted one vehicle passenger in a wheelchair as four passengers. As a result, the last handivan had a capacity of more than 10 passengers, meaning anyone driving it needed a class 4 licence.
The new vehicle has room for one wheelchair-bound passenger and five able-bodied passengers, so class 5 drivers can again volunteer their services.
“We will have more drivers,” said Hurst. “Five drivers came back as soon as we got this [new van], which makes a big difference because it takes a load off everybody not having to do a week or two weeks at a time just to keep [the service] covered.”
Hurst said the handivan averages 13 one-way trips a day.
The new handivan comes with an $80,000-plus price tag. It is expected to hit the streets in the coming weeks after signage recognizing sponsors is placed on the exterior.
Mansell said the current van will still be used to complement the new vehicle.
