First, I offer my sincerest sympathy to the Takhini parents who tragically lost their beloved child. I, too, have experienced the pain of an accidental loss of a three-year-old sister and a 13-year-old stepchild. There is no greater pain.
I stood up at the information meeting in support of the Range Road location as a temporary site for the ambulance station. I spoke of my husband who has heart and lung issues and of having to call the ambulance for help on several occasions.
I also mentioned I remember when the bridge collapsed and the only access to downtown was over the hydro dam until a Bailey bridge was constructed.
With one road into Riverdale, this move is long in coming!
Some of the comments at the meeting were: “no consultation, too much noise, temporary can mean long-term.”
In my opinion, we consult and study too much.
Really, is a little noise too much to ask if it means saving a life? And so what if it takes a little longer than two years to find a more suitable site? You would have thought we were being informed an open-custody house for paroled criminals was being planned for our neighborhood.
I left the meeting very early as I was disheartened at the NIMBY attitude and thinking of my experiences waiting for an ambulance to arrive while my loved one struggled to breathe à at those moments, five minutes can seem like an eternity.
If not too late, I hope the Range Road location will be reconsidered. Besides cutting response time, I also believe it is better suited to accommodate those dedicated individuals who are on duty.
Carolyne Thompson
Takhini East
Postscript:
On another matter, a message to those Takhini residents, (I know who most of the guilty ones are), who let their dog(s) run loose and do not pick up their crap. Wise up, there are young children using these trail and your lack of diligence creates a health hazard and your loose dog a menace. Kudos to those who have some respect for this busy trail.