This letter is in reference to a letter from Tanya Ward-Schur published April 29 on page 11 in the Advocate.
I, too am a consumer, a voter, a taxpayer and a voice.
Should the shelter be moved from downtown area? Most definitely. The homeless are pretty resilient and don’t seem to have an issue moving about Red Deer. They are seen all over the city. If they need transportation they just take it.
I have had enough of our enabled, entitled society. I am well aware of trauma, addiction, and mental health. But you are the only one that can fix you. People need to stop blaming everyone else for their misfortunes.
The city put in a splash park years ago and I attended this park (by McDonald’s). When my granddaughter visited this was our thing. Picnic at the park and a day in the water. It didn’t take long for the homeless to take over. Absolutely no respect for anyone else, discarded needles, the public bathrooms were ruined and it soon became a risky place to spend any time. For good reason it was closed. Once again the working, taxpaying, consumer loses against the entitled.
The thing that really gets me is no accountability.
I’ve done some volunteer work around Red Deer for over 20 years and have been able to see what paid staff actually do. Not all, as there are great ones with proper training and they are genuine.
It’s pretty simple, if you are running a business, curb appeal is important, so you clean up garbage and keep it maintained and inviting. Perfection is not expected but stop complaining if you’re not willing to do your part. It doesn’t matter where its moved to, it’s going to be an eyesore anywhere unless there are some kind of rules in place.
I enjoy certain places in downtown Red Deer and I, as a paying consumer, should be able to go where I want within reason and feel safe.
I have been met at my vehicle on many occasions, asked for change or cigarettes and if you say no they kick your vehicle. So is this actually mental health or the fact that they get everything for nothing and no consequences. And obviously acting like a toddler having a temper tantrum has worked for their whole life so there is no reason to be better.
Beve Green, Red Deer