The dream is over for Squamish's first women-only fitness facility, leaving many of its clients upset and wondering how to get their money back.
Dream Fitness on Industrial Way stopped operating on Tuesday (March 29). A notice on the door read: "Due to lease renewal being refused Dream Fitness is unable to continue operation."
The next day a new sign was placed in the door reading: "Dream Fitness Ltd. made an assignment of bankruptcy."
The notice indicated those looking for more information should call Patty E. Wood, a trustee with the receivership and bankruptcy company Campbell Saunders Ltd.
Clients like Catherine Watson were surprised to find the facility closed on Tuesday.
"I arrived at 5 a.m. this morning and saw the notice," said Watson, a member for only a week.
Watson bought a three-month membership and charged it to her credit card. She is working with the credit card company to recover her money. Clients who paid using cash, cheques or debit cards may have a tougher time getting refunds.
A Dream Fitness member affected by the closure posted a sign on the building encouraging club members to take action by contacting her. The upset client, who paid $450 one month ago for a one-year membership, wanted to remain anonymous. She brought together more than 20 people, including two fitness instructors, for a meeting Wednesday (March 30) to discuss the situation.
One former client who talked to Wood said those who paid memberships in advance have to file a claim indicating how much money is owed.
One of the meeting attendees said she witnessed the sale of a new membership Monday morning.The owner of the building, Lyle Long, said his lawyer is in contact with Pam Berg, the owner of Dream Fitness.
According to Long, his lease agreement with Dream Fitness expires at the end of April. He doesn't expect Dream Fitness to reopen.
"She's in breach of contract," Long told The Chief.
A bailiff visited the fitness centre a few weeks ago and Long said the bailiff arranged things so no assets could be moved out of the building.
A message left for Berg was not returned as of press time.
