By James Wood

Redcliff vet closing up shop

Aug 16, 2017 | 1:26 PM

REDCLIFF, AB- Downtown Redcliff will no longer have a veterinary office.

The office, which was owned and operated by veterinarian Chamath Perera for the past four years, is closing its doors this week. Perera made the decision due to a new employment opportunity, which will take him to Neepawa, Manitoba.

Perera said the new position will be with the federal government, working as a meat inspector at a pork plant near Neepawa.

Before closing his practice, Perera had been working in Redcliff for the last four years, since gaining his license to practice in Canada in 2012. Redcliff was the first place he chose to work.

“It’s a very nice town,” said Perera.

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“It’s a small town, but I like small towns, and I’m going to another small town, because I don’t like big cities. It’s a very nice place, you have most of the stuff, like if you need anything special Medicine Hat is not far away, so it’s a good town.”

Perera also indicated the decision to shut down and move was not made lightly, and that economic factors influenced the move.

“If the business was running really great, then I wouldn’t be taking the position, most likely,” said Perera.

“There is an economic aspect as well. I see that this side (gestures down street) is closed and this side is closed (gesturing up street).”

He’s hopeful that another vet might come to use the space, but said he didn’t know what will happen. Both Perera and the owner of his building advertised the space for sale.

Perera said that all of his current patient files were being sent to Animal Medical Centre South in Dunmore. He had also been letting people know about the move as they came in for appointments with their pets.

The files will be moved on Thursday.

As for what he wanted to say to the residents of Redcliff, Perera had a positive view of the town.

“I would like to thank all the people in Redcliff, who are very generous people, and also very friendly,” said Perera.

“Being a small town, it’s a very good thing, having a friendly neighboorhood and stuff like that, so I thank them, and wish them all the luck with the new clinic they want to go to. I enjoyed their company a lot.”