We were honoured to welcome Josie Osborne, Minister of Health, Steve Morissette, MLA, and Colleen Jones, Mayor of Trail to the Lower Columbia Community Health Centre on April 19, 2026.

Their visit highlighted the important role community health centres (CHC’s) play in strengthening access to primary care in rural communities. Minister Osborne noted how the CHC is filling a critical gap by serving some of the region’s most vulnerable populations, particularly those who have faced barriers to accessing care. She also recognized the strength of the CHC’s team-based model, where providers work collaboratively to ensure patients are connected with the right care, at the right time.

Since opening in July 2025, the CHC has made significant progress, growing its patient base from approximately 3,600 to over 5,400. With a multidisciplinary team that includes family physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, community health workers, and allied health professionals, the centre is delivering comprehensive, longitudinal primary care to residents in Trail and across the Lower Columbia.

The visit strengthened alignment with provincial priorities by showcasing both the effectiveness of team-based care in supporting vulnerable populations and the centre’s measurable growth in improving access. It also reinforced the importance of continued investment in community-governed, non-profit models of care that are responsive to local needs.

We are grateful for the opportunity to share our progress and look forward to continuing our work to expand sustainable, patient-centred care across the region.

Here is the link to see the full Trail Times articles, April 20, 2026 – CLICK HERE