Re: Updated care home design on the way (News, Jan. 18, online here)
I am deeply troubled by the idea of any type of public housing being under the control of a religious group, especially when we are told to ‘take it or do without.’ Such a stance is not what was envisioned under Medicare and the residents therein are virtually held captive.
My earliest memories are of my father being told again and again that he would burn in hell’s fire unless he converted to a certain faith, while they would look down on us doing so from some wondrous garden. It lasted at least 10 years.
I do not know whether my father believed in hell. I did not. Nevertheless, the constant repetition of what they alleged to be our fate did little for my self-image and impressed upon me our rejection by them.
One day a teacher decided to walk with me on my way to school, which was four miles from where I lived. She tried to convert me, despite me still being a child. After walking for a mile, she turned back, presumably deciding to let me go to hell rather than walk further with me.
Occasionally I take a short cut to Oak Bay Avenue past Elgin Gardens. A woman who lives there, when I fail to avoid her, delivers a sermon to me. I do not say anything to avoid a confrontation, and move on.
In general, no housing or business establishment should have been built adjacent to Bowker Creek. People need places to refresh themselves. Bowker Creek should be landscaped along its length some distance from the creek itself.
Ann Kuczerpa
Oak Bay
