Dear Editor
Thank you for publishing the article about Fi Smythe's experiences downtown ("Doing business downtown turns scary for one resident," Regional Optimist July 6). I've recently moved back to the Battlefords after living in Toronto for the past three years, and I am shocked at how rapidly our downtown core has declined.
Like Smythe, I've experienced a number of uncomfortable situations in the downtown area and have been followed and sexually propositioned more than once. Most recently, I was walking from my parking spot to the TD Bank when an old truck slowed down to invite me for a "joy ride."
I no longer feel safe doing something as simple as running afternoon errands and I know that most of my female friends and family feel the same. As North Battleford approaches its centennial, it's time for us to commit to re-converting this city into a place that we can not only feel safe in, but be proud of.
Kirsten Rudyk
North Battleford
