There has been lots of banter around the Save-On Foods store relocating from Parkwood to Pine Centre. A lot of people have weighed in on their feelings about this and from all walks of life.
I regularly use it for grabbing quick items as it is conveniently located for me however I am also one of those who will be happy to see it move to a new location for several reasons.
There will be more parking, easier access and no homeless, vagrants or people looking for handouts in the parking lot or near the doors.
I have lost count the amount of times someone has come up to me looking for spare change, a ride or even trying to sell me something at this location. You may think I’m callous and uncaring but the reality is I see this type of behaviour every day and I do mean every day on my commute to work or going out for shopping, eating and fun. Yes I live just above “The Hood” in a nicer part of town but just a two-minute drive puts me into the heart of the hood.
I for one will be happy to drive the extra four minutes to go somewhere where I will feel safe and I won’t have to worry about being approached each time I go into or leave the store.
It is also one less reason for me to go downtown and worry whether someone is high on drugs or not and whether so-and-so person will attack me just because I looked at them plus It gives me another reason why I won’t have to see the drug activity that is so prevalent in the area.
Dean Soiland
Prince George
