Lifesport closure signals end of an era for Calgary’s outdoor enthusiasts

Editor’s note and update: Lifesport’s original owner chose to sell the business rather than close it after announcing his retirement. The store transitioned to a new ownership group on July 1 and remains open as of Jan. 27, 2017 under Kit Richmond, Rick Giberson and Peter Krohn.

CALGARY – Lifesport is coming to the end of its life in Calgary’s Kensington area.

After 30 years of getting active Calgarians geared up for outdoor adventure, the store is closing its doors.

Its home for the past 15 years has been a century-old church, and while owner Norm Person is selling the property, he says the church will stay.

“That’s the understanding I have–that the developers will be renovating it and making it all pretty again,” Person said.

That’s welcome news for customer Karen Ung.

“I like to see the heritage buildings being kept,” she said.

Lifesport will close sometime in March, with many long-time customers stopping in before then to say goodbye to the store’s unofficial greeters: three very friendly dogs.

Daisy, Coco and Joe are all known for their laid-back attitude.

“They have lots of fans; lots of families come in just to see the dogs,” said Person. “Kids curl up and go to sleep beside the dogs.”

It’s still not known what type of business might eventually open in the church space, but it’s believed condos will go up on the rest of the property.