A longstanding Vancouver chain of yoga studios is closing permanently because of the financial fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Semperviva Yoga Studios said Wednesday that after 25 years in the community it’s being forced to permanently close its doors, effective immediately, at all locations.

The company said its priority is to pay staff and help them get speedy access to EI if applicable.

Since February, COVID-19 has caused a steady cancellation of memberships and membership renewals, “causing an acute strain on our finances,” Semperviva said in a statement. “As a result, we have been forced to cancel most future teacher training programs and workshops due to start in April, and beyond — key immediate revenues Semperviva depend on.”

The yoga studios have been closed since Monday in an effort to encourage social-distancing, but without revenue the company’s finances are exhausted.

Semperviva said the decline coupled with significant rent increases in studio lease rates at Kits Beach and on West 4th Avenue have left them unable to pay the rent.

The company also said it has been unable to negotiate any rent forgiveness with the landlord in consideration of the virus and its severe financial implications on their business.

“Semperviva may not physically remain but will carry on in Vancouver and around the world through the many dedicated teachers we have trained, and through the thousands of wonderful students with whom we have crossed paths,” the company said.

ticrawford@postmedia.com

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