After eight years of serving Lighthouse Country, Bowser Massage Therapy and Wellness is closing its doors.
“It’s a little emotional,” said owner Colin Crooks.
“I’ve got a lot of people who know I’m leaving and they’re just sad, and they want to know why.”
Crooks says he has been unable to come to terms with his landlord and as a result the practice will close.
“We were unable to come to terms. Even though I had expressed my intent to be here for at least the next 10-13 years. I had wanted to commit to a longer-term lease, they said that was not an option,” said Crooks.
“By not coming to terms, I’m effectively put out of business.”
Crooks does not wish to share the specific details of his tenancy agreement with the public.
Two doctors also work out of Bowser Massage Therapy and Wellness, Dr. Stephen Fox and Dr. Lindsay Stevenson.
The combined three practitioners also employ two people, a receptionist and a cleaner.
With a lack of commercial space in Bowser, Crooks says he doesn’t have any other options to set up a practice in the area. He says other development is in the works, but it won’t be soon enough.
“I just wish that closing my doors and not coming to terms with my landlord was as simple as me just moving across the street, or to another location. But because of where my business is, there’s no other commercial complex like this between Qualicum Beach and Courtenay,” said Crooks.
He’s been offered a plethora of temporary spaces, from vacation rentals to cabins, but none of them would work long-term.
“As generous as the offers are, I need a permanent home. I need some stability and security for my family,” said Crooks.
Crooks will be joining Cumby Massage in Cumberland as of Oct. 1.