Community Connections Society of Southeast BC Acquires Cranbrook Gym Life Balance Health and Fitness

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

The decision to take over the gym as a social enterprise was inspired by a core group of members at Life Balance who were determined to keep their wellness community thriving. After reaching out to Community Futures East Kootenay (CFEK), they found a willing partner in CCS.

Robyn Peel, CFEK Community Economic Development Manager, expressed her satisfaction with the collaboration between the two groups, highlighting the positive impact of community-led projects. The move to operate the gym as a social enterprise aligns with CCS’s mission to enhance the well-being of diverse individuals in the East Kootenay region.

The WRC, which serves women from all walks of life with various programs and services, will benefit from the income generated by the gym. Nancy Regular, Coordinator at the WRC, emphasized the importance of supporting women’s wellness and expressed excitement about working with the passionate community of women at Life Balance.

With a focus on seniors’ wellness, the gym’s most popular class, Ageless Now, complements CCS’s efforts to enhance the lives of older adults. By increasing membership and broadening the age range of participants, CCS aims to maximize revenue for the WRC and ensure the long-term sustainability of the gym.

Nancy Reid, Executive Director at Community Connections, encourages staff to become gym members and plans to host themed workouts and wellness workshops at the facility. The goal is to retain the strong community feeling that members cherish while expanding accessibility and engagement.

The acquisition of Life Balance Health and Fitness by Community Connections is a win-win situation for both parties. Members of the gym, like Mal Paterson, express relief and delight at the prospect of the gym continuing its operations under the new ownership.

Overall, this partnership between CCS and Life Balance exemplifies the power of community collaboration and the commitment to enhancing the well-being of individuals in the East Kootenay region.