It was a tough – and big – decision for Fort Saskatchewan council on Tuesday (Mar.10).

Recently, talks began of a regional transit system, which would connect 13 municipalities and allow people to travel between communities. One of the biggest selling points was the connectivity, but also the projected savings of $3-million per year once systems are fully aligned in 2022.

With some debate and plenty of discussion, all but one of the city's councilors voted in favour of the Regional Transit Services Commission. Despite there still needing to be alterations to account for Strathcona County’s decision to opt out, most councilors seemed accepting, with a few being slightly skeptical.

Councillor Deanna Lennox was the only one to vote no for the service with her biggest concerns being the unpredictability that comes with the model and the changes coming in the very near future.

“This is just a time of economic uncertainty,” she said during the meeting. “There’s just so many unknowns.”

Additionally, even though his vote reflected general support, councillor Brian Kelly had to agree with Lennox to a certain point. Stating even though it may not be the best model, it’s the only model they have right now.

The system doesn't come without a cost. While other municipalities would see much higher bills, Fort Saskatchewan is looking at dropping $7-million dollars on the service, with the total cost sitting around $288-million by 2026.

Weekend service was also mentioned as part of the regional commission.

Now that the decision has been made, council will have the chance to contemplate the new cost distribution and how the county’s contribution will be divvied up. This will also include a different route system.

As for the additional service to the Bethel transit terminal, there will need to be a discussion with the county on the details surrounding the situation.

There is an estimated two months between the initial vote and the presentation of the new model. Council will then have the chance to decide if the new model is still right for the city and to opt out if not. If all municipalities involved are okay with the new model, an application will eventually be sent to the provincial government.

“I am really pleased that the municipalities in the region have seen that the reason to move forward on this thing is great and I think we can get this done properly. It’ll take a little bit more work, but we’ll get it done,” said councilor Gordon Harris, who has been in favour of the initiative from the beginning.

Fort Saskatchewan was the last municipal council to vote. Others on-board include the City of Beaumont, the Town of Devon, the City of Edmonton, the City of Fort Saskatchewan, the City of Leduc, Leduc County, the Town of Morinville, Parkland County, the City of Spruce Grove, the City of St. Albert, the Town of Stony Plain and Sturgeon County.

Commission operations will start in 2022 at the earliest.