Closures aren’t new in Metro Vancouver, but when something shuts down without notice, people will definitely be turning their heads.

For members of Surrey’s Iron Nation Fitness gym, they were taken by surprise when they walked up to the establishment’s entrance only to find that there was a notice pasted on the doors, telling them that the gym was being permanently closed.

Iron Nation Surrey

Iron Nation is a premium chain of gyms located across B.C. and Alberta. Their Surrey location is one of four listed gyms, although it’s since been suddenly closed, much to the surprise of its patrons.

“IMPORTANT NOTICE TO MEMBERS,” read a social media post from Iron Nation Surrey. “Due to corporate-level circumstances involving the Iron Nation brand, this location is permanently closed effectively immediately. This closure is beyond the control of this franchise location.”

The post continues on to say that all memberships at Iron Nation Fitness Surrey have been cancelled, effective immediately. No further payments will be processed; and if any members see charges from “Iron Nation Fitness”, then they should contact their credit card company as they are not from the Surrey franchise.

“Thank you for being part of our community. We appreciate every single one of you.”

Online Speculation

Iron Nation Fitness Surrey did not give a reason for the closure aside from that it was due to “corporate-level circumstances.”

Many people online expressed their disappointment at the gym’s closure. “This gym was amazing. I’m really gonna miss this place,” said one user. Another concurred, “The best gym with the best trainers.”

But while members spoke about their experiences with Iron Nation Fitness Surrey, others alleged that the owners “scammed a lot of people and didn’t pay their leases,” at least according to an Instagram user. One Reddit user said after examining social media threads and comments that “the whole Iron Nation franchise was a giant ponzi scheme. Every franchise owner lost out, like this one in Surrey. Super unfortunate circumstance for everyone involved.”

Online speculation continues as members of the gym search for other places to get their workouts in.