About Us
WHO WE ARE
Over the past four years, a significant number of dedicated volunteers have worked tirelessly to address the health care crisis impacting the Lower Columbia region. Their efforts brought together Rossland, Warfield, Trail, Montrose, Fruitvale, and Areas A and B of the Kootenay Boundary Regional District to support and advocate for a community health centre. Visioning sessions were held, a proposal was prepared, and a not-for-profit Society was formed. In September 2024, the Ministry of Health approved funding for the Lower Columbia Community Health Centre. With a lot of volunteer time we were able to do a soft open of our doors in August with operations already starting as of July 21st, 2025. Our grand opening was on September 20th, 2025 and we are thrilled to finally be serving our community.
LATEST NEWS
New health centre opens in Trail
Trail residents now have access to expanded primary care with the opening of a new community health centre.
The Lower Columbia Community Health Centre, at 106–1101 Dewdney Ave., soft-opened on July 21 and is expected to connect more than 7,200 patients in the area with a family nurse or practitioner once fully operational.
The B.C. government said the facility will also have about 17.9 full-time equivalent clinical staff, plus relief staff, one full-time executive director and a 0.2 full-time medical director.
Currently, there are about 10 full-time equivalent staff working at the site, including:
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3.6 full-time equivalent family physicians
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1.75 full-time equivalent nurse practitioners
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2.5 full-time equivalent social workers
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0.9 full-time equivalent community health worker
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one full-time executive director
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0.2 full-time medical director
The facility is open to patients from 9 a.m. to 4:30p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday.
It’s operated by the Lower Columbia Community Health Centre Society, a non-profit group that provides holistic and accessible health care in the Kootenay region.
The province provided just over $2 million to launch the centre, most of that will be used for tenant improvements.
Ongoing funding for operations is set at $1.63 million per year
The project was made possible through the collaboration of the Kootenay Boundary Division of Family Practice, Interior Health and the Ministry of Health.
The building is part of the Kootenay Boundary Primary Care Network, which brings together health-care providers throughout the region to improve access to team-based, comprehensive and culturally safe primary care.
Lower Columbia Community Health Centre Finds Home in Downtown Trail
Trail, BC – The Lower Columbia Community Health Centre (Lower Columbia CHC), a new primary care centre that will work alongside other medical clinics currently serving the Lower Columbia is thrilled to announce its future home in the heart of downtown Trail, BC.
“This marks a major milestone for the Lower Columbia CHC initiative,” said Dr. Tobias Gelber, a family practitioner in the Lower Columbia region. “Securing this space not only takes us to the next step of renovating and preparing for patients, but it also ensures that as we recruit more physicians, other practitioners, and staff, we’ll have an amazing place for them to call their work home.”
Located on the ground floor of the Kootenay Savings Credit Union Riverfront Building at 1101 Dewdney Avenue, the Lower Columbia CHC will open its doors in Spring 2025, bringing an innovative, community-led approach to healthcare for residents across the Lower Columbia region.
“We are incredibly proud to support the Lower Columbia Community Health Centre as they embark on this exciting new chapter,” said Mark McLoughlin, CEO of Kootenay Savings Credit Union. “Their mission aligns seamlessly with our values and our commitment to enriching the communities we serve. By working together, we can enhance access to essential services that will have a profound impact on the well-being of our neighbors, families, and businesses.”
The Lower Columbia CHC represents a shift in healthcare delivery by adopting a community-led, not-for-profit model. It will prioritize equity, accessibility, and innovation to address the unique needs of the region’s residents.
The Lower Columbia CHC will provide team-based care, which means patients will be supported by a group of healthcare providers working together. The team will include family doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, physiotherapists, counselors, and community outreach workers. This approach ensures patients get care that meets their needs, whether it’s for medical help, wellness support, or addressing other challenges that affect health.
Key Features of the Lower Columbia CHC:
- Comprehensive, Holistic Care: Chronic and complex care management, same-day appointments for Lower Columbia CHC patients, wellness initiatives, and community outreach programs.
- Equity and Accessibility: A focus on culturally safe care and addressing social determinants of health such as housing, food security, and transportation.
- Sustainability: A non-profit operational model that supports healthcare providers by reducing administrative burdens and improving workplace satisfaction.
Linda Sawchenko, Chair of the Board of the Lower Columbia Community Health Centre Network Society, highlighted the importance of this community-driven initiative:
“Our downtown location in the Riverfront Building embodies our commitment to making care accessible and addressing the broader health challenges of the region. This initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in local healthcare delivery.”
Lower Columbia CHC Funding Approved!
“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.”
Learn about the Lower Columbia Community Health Centre proposal
A committed group of doctors, nurse practitioners, and community members are working together to bring a Community Health Centre (CHC) to the Lower Columbia region.
Board of Directors
Working Group and Committee Members
Linda Sawchenko
Win Mott
Frank Marino
Wes Startup
Lori Swanson
Alison Fines
Diana Daghofer
Joeann Argue
Cindy Cooke
Mary MacInnis
Tim Grouette
Catherine Ellison
Linda Worley
Mike Kennedy
Dr.Janet Fisher
Dr. Tobias Gelber
Dr. Mike Scully
Dr. Alysson Hamilton
Lori Verigin, NP
Jane Power
Katie Rumbolt
Morag Carter
Cristine Urquhart
Ron Parisotto
Carolyn Amantea
Dr. Erin Love
Dr. Katie O’Connor
Dr. Kate Gapp
Param Saini
Jen Schmidt, Project Manager