Dear Editor:

I just wanted to say something about Canada Post in Osoyoos and their treatment of seniors.

I arrived in Osoyoos almost two year ago with my little dog Tim.

Thanks to the staff at the Osoyoos Times, I was able to share my story with others.

Since that day, we have made Osoyoos our permanent home and with no regrets.

We have had to move a few times, however, we finally found a quaint little cottage on the north side of town.

I have met a great many wonderful people here and I have absolutely no regrets about moving to Osoyoos.

I have become active in the local Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day saints and have made countless friends, something I have never experienced in my life.

Each time I walk into town and back, I am always greeted with friendly well wishes and warm smiles from the citizens of Osoyoos as I shop or walk about town.

One of the biggest problems I have encountered lately is the distribution of mail through Canada Post.

When I left The Bella Villa Motel, my initial home upon arrival in Osoyoos, I moved to a nice little house downtown.

It was nice to have a place to call home, but it was expensive and not the best place to live in winter.

So I began searching for a better place.

While there I approached Canada Post to inquire about a post office box and found out that with proper documentation I could have a post box at the post office so I could walk over anytime and pick up my mail (mostly flyers and junk  mail).

It was free of charge because I had a address and was technically a resident.

Last Christmas me and my dog moved to a beautiful little cottage with a spectacular view and it was affordable.

I finally found a home. I love it and the people of Osoyoos continue to greet me with warm smiles and friendly conversation each and every time I walk into town.

Being 70 years off age and on a small basic pension, I have finally found my permanent home here in Osoyoos.

I went to the post office to report my change of address. They informed me that I could keep my current post box until the end of July, at which time I would have to apply for a new box.

And they said that it would cost me something like $170.

When I asked why, they said because I live on a property where there is another structure that already has a mailbox.

I tried to explain this mailbox belongs to my landlord and I have discussed having my mail sent to his box, however, he would prefer not to do that.

So I asked if I could have a post box 50 yards from my door that I can see them from my kitchen window and the woman at the post office said this would not be a problem if I paid $170 with proof of address.

However, my new address technically has a box for the other residence on the property.

I informed the post office staff that I am a senior on a small pension and that I already have trouble getting back and forth to town and walking on the highway is dangerous and not something I can do every day.

My health is not good and I have to walk wherever I go.

She said I would have to make other arrangements or pay the money. Money which I do not have.

My box was sent and she stated there is no such thing as general delivery in Osoyoos.

Times have certainly changed when there is no general delivery in a small rural community post office.

I love Osoyoos, I love the people here and I plan on staying here until my final days, however, I  am beginning to think I may have to leave the place I call home because I cannot get my important mail delivered to me.

I am perplexed and confused and I am asking the good citizens of Osoyoos for some advice and or alternatives to this rather negative issue.

If you can help with a suggestion I would certainly be grateful.

Hopefully I will be able to resolve this very soon.

This issue has caused me a great deal of concern and I hope that someone will be able to offer me a solution to resolve the problem.

Thank you very much for your interest and response.

Sonni McLaren,

Osoyoos, B.C.