The Ottawa Athletic Club is jumping in to help stranded membership holders of Soma Health and Fitness after it abruptly closed overnight Thursday. The OAC will honour memberships, while the Fairmont Chateau Laurier and the Westin Hotel have just announced they will offer discounts to former Soma members.
Staff and members of Soma found a handmade 'closed' sign on the door Friday. It appears some equipment had been taken out. On the club's Facebook page, Soma employees urged members to try and get their money back. The page has since been deleted. The reason for the abrupt closure is not known.
Ian Shabinsky, President of the OAC, says “We’ve seen many clubs come and go over the years and members disappointed. Being a locally owned family business, we feel it is our responsibility to step forward in times like this”.
Both the Fairmont Chateau Laurier and the Westin Hotel fitness facilities are run by Executive Fitness Leaders. At the Chateau Laurier, a yearly membership will be sold to former Soma members at a 15 per cent discount and they will be given a free month.
