COTE FN – Cote First Nation is advancing its community development efforts with a focus on improving transportation services.
Through its Comprehensive Community Plan—a framework shaped by membership feedback on programs and services—Cote FN has successfully launched a shuttle service aimed at addressing long-standing transportation needs.
"It was through our Comprehensive Community Plan that we developed ... it was approved in Oct of 2019," said Arlene Pinay, community planner for Cote FN, in an interview with Â鶹ÊÓƵ.ca
The shuttle service, in operation for two months, runs Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., providing transportation between Cote FN and the town of Kamsack.
"Transportation was always something that was a need from our membership," said Pinay.
"Right now we currently have a shuttle service that we operate. We were successful getting some funding through the Rural Transit Solutions fund to purchase the vehicles to assist with the purchase of the two vehicles," added Pinay.
Funding was also secured through the Indigenous Services Canada Pathways Program, which allowed for a one-year pilot project covering operational and maintenance costs. According to data gathered so far, the shuttle service sees approximately 17.5 passengers daily.
With community feedback guiding its next steps, Cote FN is seeking to expand the service to other communities. A survey was conducted to assess updated transportation needs, particularly in light of gaps left by the closure of the Saskatchewan Transportation Company.
"We made an application to Rural Transit Solutions for a phase two," said Pinay.
The Rural Transit Solutions Fund—part of the Canada Public Transit Fund—provides financial support to rural, remote, Indigenous and Northern communities to improve local transit services.
"We're looking at more units, larger units and a facility to operate and maintain these transport units," said Pinay.
The submission for phase two funding was made April 7.
"We're hoping we're approved," said Pinay, noting that a previous application in 2024 was unsuccessful.
"We're hoping that it's offered beyond Cote as well. We have a lot of our membership and people living in other communities that don't have the transportation ability to get to the urban centres," added Pinay.
Cote FN has collaborated with other First Nations and municipal leaders to seek broader community support.
"The key thing is that phase two is in the queue. Of course it's not just Cote. We're thankful to Keesekoose First Nation, they've provided us with a letter of support. We're thankful to the Key First Nation because they allowed us the opportunity to engage with their membership through this survey as well," said Pinay.
"We've also been in contact with the town of Kamsack mayor and council."
Seeking the town's official support, Pinay emphasized the importance of working together.
"We're hoping we're approved and we'll be able to come together—those four communities—and collaborate and work together on addressing the needs of our community members when it comes to transportation services."
Beyond transit, Cote FN is also prioritizing community safety and infrastructure improvements.
"Community safety is a priority for Cote FN. Providing this service—should we be successful—will help ensuring the community safety of the passengers and that our members to have affordable, accessible transportation," said Pinay.
"There are other projects that we're working on as well that pertain to community safety."
On April 11, Cote FN will kicked off its pathway project, aimed at increasing pedestrian safety along the highway and within the community.
"We're constructing a pathway on the highway and in our community of Cote because we have a lot of people that walk on the roads," said Pinay.
Pinay emphasized the role of the Comprehensive Community Plan in guiding these initiatives.
"We're really trying to build our nation based on that comprehensive community plan—that's where we get all of our direction, said Pinay, adding, "community development has been very beneficial and has helped our nation—having a community plan."
According to Cote FN's website, the plan aims to assess current needs and priorities while establishing a long-term strategy for the next 25 years. Its goal is to foster a healthy, sustainable nation while enhancing the quality of life for Cote First Nation members.
