The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce the extension of their WEVax Transportation Program thanks to High Priority Community Funding (HPC) from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. The program, designed to provide transportation to vaccination clinics for Windsor and Essex County residents was launched in April.  Additional support for this program from HPC funding was announced today, which will extend the offering to the end of September.

Since its launch, over 3,000 complimentary rides to Windsor and Leamington vaccination clinics have been provided to people living in Windsor-Essex who are unable to coordinate their own transportation due to financial, physical or other challenges.  Transportation services are provided by Vets Cab in Windsor and Sun Parlor Taxi in Leamington. Accessible transportation is available from Checker Cabs in Windsor.

“This program has been a critical one for our region.” stated Windsor-Essex Chamber President & CEO, Rakesh Naidu, “Reopening is happening because many Windsor-Essex residents are rolling up their sleeves to get vaccinated.  Reducing the barrier to vaccination and making vaccination sites easily accessible is key, especially, for those that have mobility and financial challenges”.

The Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce will continue to oversee the transportation program along with community partners, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, Vets Cab, Checker Cab and Sun Parlor Taxi. Transportation partners will ensure that all safety protocols are in place for riders and drivers.

Naidu added, “The Windsor-Essex Chamber is grateful for the support from all of our community partners.  With this new funding from HPC, we will be able to continue our fight to reduce COVID-19 infections and the potential for another wave in our region.”

Windsor and Essex County residents living in “Hot Spot” areas who have been scheduled for a vaccine can contact Vets Cab in Windsor or Sun Parlor Taxi in Leamington to take advantage of this program and arrange transportation. Billing from the transportation partners will go directly to the Windsor-Essex Chamber, no payment is required by the rider.