The community of Rutland has claimed the hearts of many over the years.
Among its advocates are business owners, doctors, lawyers, teachers and politicians who work tirelessly to improve the community and the lives of its residents.
Norm Letnick, Renee Merrifield and Tracy Gray are just a few of the politicians who have been caring for Rutland for years in hopes of seeing the community continue to flourish.
Norm Letnick was elected as an MLA back in 2009 after sitting on Kelowna’s City Council for the 2005-2008 term.
Letnick believes Rutland is a wonderful community, made special by its residents who are “hard working and friendly.”
Over the years he has applauded the “increased migration of families and redevelopment of older properties” which he believes continuously make Rutland an “even better place to live, work and play.”
Alongside his position as a public servant, he has maintained many personal relationships with Rutland’s residents and imparted a great impact on the community through his contributions towards the new urgent primary care center, passing lane on Walker’s Hill, soccer dome at RSS, intersection improvements on Highway 97 and so many more projects.
In fact his favorite memory in Rutland occurred in one of the years he was helping out at the annual Christmas light up. “A lady came to me and thanked me for saving her daughter’s life by getting her the services she needed,” he explains.
His top priority and dream for Rutland includes a new middle school, which he believes “would be a huge boost to Rutland’s self image,” and essential in “providing appropriate facilities for our children to learn in.”
Renee Merrifield has been an MLA representing Kelowna-Mission since 2020.
She’s witnessed Rutland grow by leaps and bounds and has established some of her most important relationships in this uniquely diverse community which she describes as a mixture of “agriculture and entrepreneurial spirit.”
She admires the entrepreneurial spirit of Rutland’s residents, and is especially fond of Olympia Pizza for its one of a kind dishes and enduring spirit.
“The stories of the people I meet on a daily basis are my fuel!”
As a representative of the people, she aims to amplify these voices and stories.
“I work every day to make sure lines of communication are open for the residents of Rutland that I serve… it is always a pleasure to take their voices with me to Victoria!”
She’s always had a desire to be of service and give back to the community that has been so supportive of her growing up.
“I am grateful to have been entrusted with the opportunity to make a difference,” says Merrifield.
She hopes she can play a role in pushing Rutland closer to being a community where “attainable housing is available for young people and families to build a life—where the streets and parks are safe for all to enjoy.”
Tracy Gray has been representing the people of Rutland since her 2014-2018 term on Kelowna City Council and she continues to do so in Ottawa as an MP for the riding of Kelowna-Lake Country.
For Gray, Rutland is “all about the people… [the] community spirit comes through in its people, murals, places, and activities which all make Rutland a very special place.”
“The strong connection to each other and community spirit always fill my heart. People in Rutland fiercely stand up for the betterment of the community,” she explains.
Gray maintains a “boots-on-the-ground” approach in the community, participating in local events, and volunteering “to connect with many people… hear their concerns and ideas and bring them to Ottawa.”
Like Letnick and Merrifield, Gray has also been witness to the development and growth in Rutland. She finds its Business Improvement Area (BIA), which has grown to over 200 participating businesses, to be one of the most notable developments in the community and believes that “the development of this strong formalized business group has helped to continue to develop Rutland into a unique community.”
Her dream for Rutland is centered in its values, history and growth.
“Upholding and valuing Rutland’s history is important while also meeting and addressing the needs of its growing number of residents and businesses. Having kids grow up and being able to continue their education here and then stay in our community to work, give back, and raise their families is good for our community,” says Gray.
She’d also like to encourage people in and around the area to go check out the many great farms, businesses, community activities and more that Rutland has to offer!
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