Rutland parents deeply concerned

Dear Editor:

Moving to Kelowna in 2004, my husband and I began looking to purchase a home. After looking at many areas, we chose Rutland.

I was adamant that this is where I wanted to raise a family. Some people may ask why, and my answer is simple. Large backyards for children to play in and so close to family oriented amenities.

The YMCA, Okanagan Boys and Girls Club, water park, schools ... and the list goes on. What a great place to raise a family.

Fast forward to 2019 and now I am a mom to a 10 year old. I had looked forward to the day that he would have the independence to walk proudly to the corner store with friends.

The coming-of-age walk to school, I pictured him walking and laughing with his friends as they made their way to school each day — something I remember doing as a child. But, then sadly things changed for the Rutland area of Kelowna.

We, unfortunately, voted in a city council that seems to have forgotten that feeling of young independence. They have chosen to take away that freedom. So now, as a mom, I ponder about my child.

How do I let him spread his wings without worry? How do I, as the time approaches, leave him to make his way to school on his own, without worrying about who might cross his path on a daily basis as he passes by these types of recovery facilities located so close to his now daily life?

Some reading this may say this is part of being a parent and I do agree it is. But, I will ask you how many of your children will have to walk by a recovery facility such as the one on McCurdy Road twice a day, every day?

It’s hard not knowing what your child may encounter on any given day. I really don’t like that I am a NIMBY person, but as a mom I am and it is not something I can change.

So I ask, please quit telling us parents that we shouldn’t be scared and concerned for our children. Because, we are and we can’t change that.

Yes, we agree that help is needed for those with addiction issues. But, a band-aid plan on this issue is not the answer.

And so I say please, not in my child’s backyard.

Krista Little Rutland