When it comes to gyms, it is the size that counts, says the owner of one of Squamish's longest-operating fitness centres.
The District of Squamish should build its proposed gym at Brennan Park Recreation Centre smaller rather than bigger so that its service doesn't take too much business away from private gyms, said Don Smith, owner of Club Flex Athletics.
"I see no problem with them having a small area in Brennan Park," he said.
Once the gym reaches above 4,000 square feet - the district's pre-design is for a 4,250-square-foot facility - it will starting eating away at Squamish private fitness centres' incomes, Smith warned.
For a town of 17,000, Squamish has a lot of gyms, he noted. All are fighting for a piece of the pie. In his 20 years of operating Club Flex, the last has been the most difficult financially.
Squamish's dynamics have changed, he noted. With up to 50 per cent of Squamish's workforce commuting to either Whistler or the Lower Mainland to their jobs, most either go to a gym at work or are too tired work out after the long drive home.
Add to this increasing commercial rent - Smith pays approximately $10,000 a month - and there is little chance a private facility can compete with one funded by taxpayers, Smith said.
"All the [private] clubs will be hit," he said.
The district's decision to build a gym wasn't a surprise, but it's a devastating blow to local businesses, said Dominic Turgeon, owner of Squamish Athletic Club.
"The market is saturated and really spread thin," he said. "I don't know how well any of them are doing."
Turgeon said he understands municipal officials wanting such a facility. However, he questions whether officials considered the effect it will have on local companies.
"There are already fairly established businesses struggling," he added.
Squamish's Dream Fitness employees aren't anxious about the district's proposal. Because the gym caters to women, it's a niche market, Dream team employee Mary Davidson noted.
Council has set aside $45,000 to create a pre-design for the fitness room. The facility, which is slated to be placed on the south side of the aquatic centre overlooking the pool, is anticipated to cost $1.49 million. District officials estimate the gym will net $2.4 million in admission fees over a 10-year period.
Mayor Rob Kirkham on Tuesday (April 24) said district officials aren't yet fully committed to building the Brennan Park facility. It's being eyed as part of the 2013 capital budget, he said.
"We haven't determined what sort of equipment might go in there, if the project goes ahead, but it might well add to the offerings that are available in town," he said.
- David Burke, The Chief
