Letters to the editor

Most published letters to the Editor regarding gasoline complain about the continual rise of prices. 

I am old enough to remember when a gas station was not a “convenience” centre but was a service centre.

A couple of years ago my favourite downtown service station was closed, apparently that corner was required for traffic changes.

Since then I have found a service station in Lake Country and I'm told there is another one in the West Kelowna area.

I live in Kelowna City Centre, and finally was directed to Lakeshore Road where staff gave service with a smile whenever I needed a gas fill up.

That station is now under-going renovations, so I am without help again.

I think I speak for many people when I lament the lack of service. I have had knee surgery that makes it painful for me to enter and exit my car.

There are thousands of people in Kelowna with various health issues who are completely capable of driving but filling up their car can be a process.

I have a friend who’s sister is 40 and has Rheumatoid Arthritis and her hands are so weak that when she wants to fill her car, she has to take one of her children with her to do the actual pumping of the gas.

This isn’t convenient for her or her children.  How nice it was when a smiling face offered to fill my gas tank, check my oil, noted if my tires needed air, and made sure my windows were clean.

Since prices are already ridiculously high, a small rise to each litre, (a portion of a penny), would more than cover the cost of providing service. Perhaps this service would even reduce frustration and road rage.

What is wrong with the gasoline companies? Young people, as well as retirees, would love to have a job helping customers at a service station.

I hope we will soon be having a friendly, helpful stop when it is necessary to “Fill her up, please.”

Margaret Wort