Canton Planning Board approves yoga instructor's plan for studio

CANTON — A second yoga studio will open in Canton because interest is high and space is limited.

The town Planning Board recently approved the proposal of yoga teacher Rebecca Y. Rivers to build a studio on a 1.5-acre piece of her family's 107-acre property at 605 Miner Street Road, about three miles from the village of Canton.

Ms. Rivers said she intends to keep open her relationship with the Yoga Loft, which is at 1071/2 Main St. above the Blackbird Cafe.

"It's been a great place to teach," she said. "I have loved working at the Yoga Loft."

Yoga Loft board President Shelby L. Connelly said Ms. Rivers's decision to build is a victory for all.

"We think it's a great thing," she said. "By her having to expand, it means we are expanding. We have morning, midday and evening classes, even classes on Friday night and Saturdays."

Ms. Rivers said she expects the interest in alternative health care and wellness to continue to expand.

"It's a national trend. I don't think people are going to go back," she said. "My client load has grown pretty steadily."

The yoga studio is in keeping with the type of development the community wants, Planning Board Chairman Michael K. Morgan said.

"It's a perfect fit," he said. "We're a nice little college town."

Ms. Rivers expects to break ground soon on a 1,470-square-foot, one-story building — the Northern Light Center — that will include classroom and therapy space, a kitchen and a bathroom. The building will have a passive solar design, use locally harvested wood and be energy efficient. Other teachers also may use her space.

Information about its evolution will appear eventually on Ms. Rivers's Web site, www.blissnorth.com.