I am very disappointed that the plan to replace the aging Oak Bay Lodge on its current site has been voted down.
I have, in the past, worked as a social worker and administrator at Oak Bay Lodge, so I do have some knowledge in this field.
The current building was not purpose-built and has never been ideal as a residence for the frail elderly. The fact that it succeeds as well as it does is a testament to the wonderful staff.
Most of us do not like to think about what our needs will be at the end of life. However, we do have a lot of elderly residents in our community and some of them will need residential care.
At the moment, if they have a choice at all, it is for shared accommodation at Oak Bay Lodge, or a move to another community.
Oak Bay residents deserve to have a purpose-built residential facility here in Oak Bay that will serve their needs when the time comes.
I can understand the concerns of the people who own homes bordering on the property.
However, this is a situation where we need to look at the bigger picture and consider the needs of the community as a whole.
Dorothy Roberts
Oak Bay