A pioneer of the community-owned clinic in Winkler is retiring after nearly 20 years. The Winkler and District Healthcare Board that oversees the C.W Wiebe Medical Clinic recently honoured outgoing member Paul Peters.

Peters has watched the clinic grow from six doctors to 43 and says the success comes from a proactive board and support from residents.

"It's unbelievable, the support we get from all the municipalities," he says. "It's all about communication."

Peters also spent time on the Bethel Hospital Board in the 1970's in Winkler, noting raising a son with Down-Syndrome had piqued his interest in local health care. "So we had a little more to do with doctors."

He explains the need for a community-owned clinic had been identified as a need for many years before the founding of the healthcare board in 1990.

"He brings the continuity because with his long-term service you have the history," fellow board member Marvin Plett says. "For new board members that is very helpful to put that into perspective."

Plett says it's gratifying to see residents accessing rapid healthcare services directly in Winkler.

Looking to the future, Plett notes the clinic is once again feeling the pinch for space, and announcements on new initiatives are coming soon.

The Winkler and District Healthcare Board.