Women’s Gym Transforms into Social Enterprise

Community Connections Society of Southeast BC (CCS) has made a significant acquisition by taking over the Cranbrook gym, Life Balance Health and Fitness. This move will not only benefit the gym members but also support the operations of the Cranbrook Women’s Resource Centre (WRC) as a social enterprise.

The transition of ownership came about as a result of the dedication and effort of the core member group at Life Balance, who were determined to keep their wellness community thriving. After seeking advice from Community Futures East Kootenay (CFEK), they found a suitable non-profit organization, CCS, to take over the gym.

Robyn Peel, the CFEK Community Economic Development Manager, expressed her satisfaction with the collaboration between the two groups, highlighting the positive impact of community-led projects. CCS had been considering the idea of a social enterprise for some time, and the opportunity presented by Life Balance was a perfect fit.

The WRC, which serves women from all walks of life with various programs and services, sees the acquisition of the gym as a way to further support women’s wellness. The gym, known for its close-knit community of older members, aligns well with CCS’s mission to enhance the lives of diverse individuals, including seniors.

Nancy Reid, Executive Director at Community Connections, emphasized the importance of increasing gym membership to maximize revenue for the WRC. She also mentioned plans to host women’s wellness workshops at the gym and involve volunteers to expand operating hours.

The purchase of Life Balance by CCS has been met with enthusiasm and relief by members like Mal Paterson, who expressed gratitude for the organization’s involvement. With a focus on community well-being and sustainability, CCS is poised to make a positive impact on the East Kootenay region through its diverse programs and services.