After a re-brand in 2018, the Town of Fairview is becoming known as a “Health Hub” in the North. Today, Fairview offers an impressive selection of medical and preventative health businesses ready to serve the Peace Region and beyond. Treasured in the community, these businesses draw patrons from far and wide.
Having a variety of health-related businesses not only improves the lives and wellness of our citizens, but they also attract people to our community to utilize these services and other businesses,” said Daryl Greenhill, CAO of the Town of Fairview.
Traditional health services in Fairview include physiotherapy, massage therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic treatments, osteopathy, Chelation therapy, mental health counselling, public health and ultrasound services, fitness training, eye care and dental care.
Alternative and holistic health services in Fairview include yoga, Watsu therapy, chakra balancing, Pilates, energy healing, craniosacral sessions, Chinese acupressure, total body lymphatic balancing and more.
“We understand the importance of offering primary, preventative and alternative health services in a community and the positive impacts they can have on local and out of town residents,” said Greenhill.
Many health-related businesses in Fairview recognize it can be difficult to access holistic and medical services in the North, which is why so many have decided to open their doors.
Jamie Krantz owns Peace Diagnostic Imaging (PDI) in Fairview.
“We’re motivated to make medical care more accessible and cut down wait times and long commutes, especially during winter when driving can be unsafe,” said Krantz. “We also do our best to accommodate urgent ultrasound requests, which saves patients a trip to Grande Prairie or Peace River.”
As the only ultrasound clinic in Fairview and the surrounding area, PDI offers general ultrasounds, obstetrical ultrasounds and cardiovascular ultrasounds. “We see everything from expectant mothers to people with medical conditions such as congestive heart failure,” said Krantz.
With patient care at the forefront, Krantz sees firsthand the trickle-down effect of businesses likes hers.
“Having more specialty businesses in our small town helps our local economy grow and thrive. The more resources and services we can offer, the more we can help attract people to our community,” said Krantz.
Ruth Bridger, owner of Horizon Health and Balance, is a firm believer in giving people the opportunity to take charge of their own health. She appreciates the value of having readily available services close to home.
“Wellness is meant to be a normal part of life. Northern residents deserve access to all services found elsewhere in Alberta, not just those in a spa or a resort,” said Bridger.
Horizon Health and Balance offers soothing, tailored alignment sessions with techniques that include gentle acupressure to the body with the intention of improving posture and a sense of well-being.
“My services target individuals who are drawn to healing in all ways and at all levels of ‘the self,’” said Bridger. “Clients can expect to feel supported, listened to and encouraged through every session. Most feel noticeable shifts in mood and posture after every appointment.”
Many of Bridger’s clients travel from High Prairie, Valleyview, Cleardale and Hines Creek, which means patrons frequent other businesses while in town.
For locals, having these services nearby means quicker recoveries and the opportunity to feel better, sooner.
“Out of town clients often get groceries and eat in restaurants when they’re here for their appointments. As for Fairview residents, they experience shorter commutes and sometimes shorter recovery times,” said Bridger.
Carrie and Christina Wegreen, owners of the Fairview Health Collective, know it can be challenging to access holistic healthcare in the North. They offer massage therapy and osteopathic manual therapy.
“People in surrounding communities come here instead of having to go to larger centres like Edmonton to access the care they need,” said Carrie Wegreen. “Our services lend well to families travelling for treatment because we have a large space to accommodate family members who don’t have an appointment.”
Many clients of the Wegreens travel from hours away, from places such as La Crete and Northern BC, and they often schedule multiple appointments in one day. So, the Wegreens have local recommendations on hand to help clients make the most of their visit.
“We always recommend a list of unique Fairview businesses to check out, everything from retail to restaurants,” said Carrie Wegreen. “We love Fairview and the Peace Country. We’re so proud of the amazing businesses we have here. We want people to feel welcomed and have their needs met in our town.”
The Fairview Health Collective also hosts workshops and classes that offer a holistic approach to physical and mental health, allowing many to access education normally only found in larger city centres.
“We’ve brought in teachers from other areas to provide people in the Peace Region access to classes that are usually only offered in the cities,” said Carrie Wegreen. “We believe a holistic approach to health and education should be accessible to all people in the North.”
Offering traditional and unique health services to local and surrounding communities has become an integral part of Fairview’s makeup, which is something CAO Greenhill hopes to promote for years to come.
“It feels great to have easily accessible services that people from all over our region can utilize. The Town takes pride in being able to offer others a chance to prioritize their health, and we look forward to adding more services in the future,” said Greenhill.
To learn about health and wellness related businesses, please refer to the business directory at Fairview.ca