Parents demand refunds after Thunder Bay, Ont., climbing gym locks doors

A troubled local gym appears to have gone dark, leaving some customers out hundreds of dollars and nowhere to climb. The landlord says they haven't heard from the owner about the future of the business in Thunder Bay, Ont. 

CBC News spoke with two people who say they purchased memberships and classes for Boulder Bear Climbing Centre for for their children but they haven't been able to access the gym. 

A reporter went to the gym during its usual opening hours but the doors were locked. 

CBC News contacted Boulder Bear Climbing Centre and the owner, Dallas Markall, for comment.

Sabrina Sobey said the owner told her on the phone that Boulder Bear Climbing Centre was shutting down and she would not be getting a refund.

"He basically said that he was trying to sell the business, but it didn't sell, so he had to close the doors," she said. 

Sobey said she paid over $1,000 to sign her daughter up for 15 weeks of climbing classes and had at least 10 weeks left when Markall told her the gym was closing. 

"Why are we not getting a refund? It's not our fault that they're closing," she said. 

Markall told her the corporation didn't have any money and couldn't afford to give her a refund, said Sobey. 

Another parent said she was unable to reach anyone at Boulder Bear to inquire about a refund.

Amanda Trevisanutto said her teenage son, Conley, bought a three-month membership for $244 on Oct. 4 that he hasn't been able to use. 

"Ever since then, they haven't been open," said Trevisanutto. "Conley showed up to the facility a few times and the doors were locked."  

She said she has tried calling and emailing but hasn't received a response. 

"I just hope that if the owner has closed the doors, that he does the right thing and does reimburse people for the time that they purchased a membership, but were unable to use it," said Trevisanutto.