The province announced on Thursday, Sept. 19, that a new health centre has been approved for downtown Trail, with its opening scheduled for next year.
However, the specific location for the centre has not yet been finalized and will be announced at a later date.
The Ministry of Health has given the green light to the Lower Columbia Community Health Centre (CHC), a community-led clinic that aims to enhance access to primary health care for local residents through a team-based care model.
This model brings together a complementary group of health-care professionals who will work collaboratively to meet the community’s needs, in coordination with other local clinics.
The Lower Columbia CHC is described as a unique, community-driven initiative made possible by the collective efforts of local volunteers, the Kootenay Boundary Division of Family Practice, Interior Health, the Kootenay Boundary Primary Care Network, Lower Columbia municipalities, and the Ministry of Health.
The clinic will serve the healthcare needs of the region by integrating a diverse team of health-care professionals, including physicians, nurse practitioners, registered and licensed practical nurses, social workers, physiotherapists, and community health workers.
Beyond addressing immediate health concerns, the clinic will also focus on broader social determinants of health such as housing, food, and access to social services.
“Thanks to years of effort by over 30 committed community members and providers, along with strong support from our municipal leaders, we are delighted to announce that the new Lower Columbia Community Health Centre will open in downtown Trail in 2025,” said Win Mott, Chair of the Lower Columbia Community Health Centre working group, in a Sept. 19 news release.
“The Lower Columbia CHC in Trail is part of a broader vision for community-governed and community-focused health centres, providing much-needed team-based primary care across our Lower Columbia communities.”
The 2025 opening of the Lower Columbia CHC is seen as a significant step in a long-term strategy to address the region's healthcare needs through innovative, community-centered approaches.
“Team-based care plays a vital role in making primary care more efficient and accessible,” said Dr. Tobias Gelber, a local physician. “The Lower Columbia Community Health Centre will enable physicians, nurse practitioners, and other team members to work to the fullest extent of their capabilities, ensuring patients see the right provider at the right time.”
Lannon de Best, Executive Director of Clinical Operations for Kootenay Boundary, added, “This is an exciting and innovative partnership between all those involved, and it aligns with Interior Health’s commitment to work collectively to improve access to primary care and other supports for people in the Kootenay Boundary.”
For more information, visit kootenayclinics.org.
