Equinox fitness club set to open its first location in Canada

Doors open to exclusive club at Commerce Court in winter 2012

TORONTO, Aug. 9, 2012 /CNW/ - Equinox, the upscale fitness and lifestyle leader in the US, is set to open its first Canadian club in the heart of Toronto's financial district in a 40,000 square foot site at Commerce Court, owned by British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (bcIMC). The club is expected to open in the winter of 2012.

Founded in 1991, with national headquarters in New York, Equinox currently operates clubs in the US with a collection of trophy properties, including clubs in the Time Warner Center and Rockefeller Center in New York City, as well as on Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills, Michigan Avenue in Chicago and in the heart of Miami's South Beach.

The newest fitness club slated to open in Toronto will be the company's second international location, following a club opening in London in the fall. Equinox is known for its commitment to lifestyle, hospitality, innovative programming, award-winning design and an unwavering commitment to the member experience, reflecting many of the same values and characteristics of Commerce Court.

"We are excited to bring our first Toronto club to Commerce Court at King and Bay.  We found the best location in the financial capital of Canada, in a Class AAA building that is built to high environmental standards, has great street visibility, and provides easy access from both the PATH and lobby levels. Toronto's luxury hotel, retail, restaurant and condominium development is booming, making this an ideal time to introduce our lifestyle brand to this great city.  We continue to look for additional locations in Toronto to complement our corporate flagship location," said Jeff Weinhaus, EVP of development for Equinox.

"bcIMC welcomes Equinox Fitness Club in opening its first Canadian location at Commerce Court," said Mary Garden, Vice President, Real Estate, bcIMC. "This new addition enriches the dynamic work and lifestyle environment at Commerce Court, and provides our tenants and neighbours the services and facilities of an international fitness company."

About Equinox:
Equinox Fitness Clubs operates 56 upscale, full-service facilities in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Boston, Dallas and DC. The company offers an integrated selection of Equinox-branded programs, services and products, including strength and cardio training, group fitness classes, personal training, spa services and products, apparel and food/juice bars. Since its inception in 1991, Equinox has developed a lifestyle brand that represents service, value, quality, expertise and innovation, attention to detail, market leadership and results. www.equinox.com

In addition, Equinox operates under the Pure Yoga, Blink and SoulCycle brands.  The Pure Yoga brand offers upscale, full-service yoga studios in New York City with over 100 classes a week led by world-renowned instructors. Blink operates gyms in New York with a simplified approach to fitness by providing strength and cardio equipment in a friendly environment at a low membership price. Equinox has a strategic partnership with SoulCycle, the country's leading studio-cycling operator renowned for inspirational coaching, great music and a full-body workout. SoulCycle has studios in New York City, the Hamptons NY and Los Angeles CA.

About Commerce Court
Commerce Court, a unique complex consisting of three modern structures and Commerce Court North (opened in 1931), sits on one of Canada's most prestigious corners at Toronto's King and Bay Streets. The North Tower, designed by the firm Pearson and Darling, is an historical, Beaux-Arts jewel. The three modern buildings and the remaining 4-acre complex were designed by I.M. Pei, internationally recognized as one of the most influential architects of the modern era. Commerce Court is managed by GWL Realty Advisors. For more information, visit www.commerce-court.com

About bcIMC
bcIMC is an independent investment management corporation that manages a globally diversified investment portfolio of $91.1 billion as at December 31, 2011. Based in Victoria, British Columbia and supported by industry-leading expertise, bcIMC invests in all major asset classes including infrastructure and other strategic investments. bcIMC's clients include public sector pension plans, public trusts, and insurance funds. With real estate holdings valued at $14.4 billion as of December 31, 2011, bcIMC is one of Canada's major property owners and developers. bcIMC's Canadian real estate portfolio includes offices, retail malls, residential and industrial buildings, hotels, and interests in real estate management companies. For more information, please visit www.bcimc.com.

SOURCE: Equinox

Nicole Moke
Public Relations Manager
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Denise Gagnon
APEX Public Relations
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