Kyra Klassen, owner of Dance Fitness with Kyra and the subject of a media storm over noise bylaws, appeared in court this morning to face seven noise-related charges.
Counsel agreed to a joint submission, withdrawing six of the tickets and entering only one noise infraction, to which Klassen pleaded guilty. Judge Brian Hendrickson charged Klassen with a $200 fine, as mandated by legislation guidelines, and gave her 60 days to pay the full amount.
Representative of the defendant, Talon Regent, said the withdrawals were made as a compromise for both his client and the city; the cost to both parties to run seven trials seemed unnecessary in terms of money and time, and this result allows both parties to move forward.
“I'm glad that it's over and I'm able to move forward. I'm happy a compromise was able to come about for both parties,” said Klassen. “I'm thankful to be able to put a new foot forward, start fresh, and get back to doing what I love doing.”
The tickets are the result of public complaints from Canadian music legend Burton Cummings, which Klassen, despite attempts to soundproof her walls and keep the volume down, was unable to resolve.
Cummings even took the issue to city council, prompting the City to agree to look into altering bylaws regarding the activity in mixed-use commercial and residential zones, but has made no public statement regarding the dispute.
The fitness studio is currently located in a joint commercial and residential location, on High Street West. Due to the conflict, Klassen is moving her business at the end of April to a new location at 244 River Street. The new studio will be larger and is neighboured by industrial buildings.
Klassen hopes the move will leave this controversy behind her, concluding the very public issue and allowing her to continue with her business.
“I'm just thankful for the support of the community, and I'm very much looking forward to getting back to serving them,” said Klassen.
