Valley Medical Clinic in Strathmore plans to close at the end of 2026, as its four physicians prepare to retire. Dr. Ward Fanning said the group made the decision recently. “My colleagues felt it was time and we wanted to go out as a team,” he said.

The clinic has more than 5,000 patients. There is currently no plan to recruit replacement doctors, although a staff member told CTV News on Tuesday that the clinic hopes someone could take it over in 2027. Fanning said interested parties have already come forward. “Our hope is that there will be a complete continuity of care, and as we fade off, new physicians will fade in.”

Valley Medical has provided family medicine and some walk-in appointments in the town since 1985. It is not accepting new patients and has not done so recently. Strathmore has about 16,400 residents and four other clinics currently operating.

Based on reporting by CTV News Calgary.