Letters to the editor...They leave; we grieve

Dear editor, We feel compelled to reflect on the increasing numbers of senior Actonians leaving our town. (We could give you a long list of seniors leaving town but have decided to leave this out for now.) Their needs for downsizing (house to condo or one level accommodation) make it necessary for them to go to Milton, Georgetown or Guelph. There is nothing for them here and so they move. Some of them saw early plans for an Acton condo fail and received their cheques for "holding" back-- the builder deciding not to build here was a disappointment to say the least. These people are merchants, teachers, and parents who raised their families here, paid their taxes here for many years and they gave wonderful service to our community. Now we see them go elsewhere. It is our loss they leave family, friends, and their churches behind. We are very thankful for the Legion apartments-- Lake View Villa (Elizabeth Drive) but more is needed. True, a few may choose to move afar but most, "would love to stay in Acton." It seems we fail them at this stage in their lives by not providing adequate senior housing for them. If other communities can do it why not us? Stop the exodus now! Shirley Broostad, Acton Chair of the Seniors West Planning and Education Committee