TIMMINS -- Ontario is on the brink of entering stage 3 of its reopening plan.  Although the provincial government has yet to say when regions will be allowed to go the next level, businesses such as movie theaters and fitness gyms could be on the list to welcome back patrons.  

One gym owner in Timmins says she was ready when stage 2 was implemented and is excited to get back to work.

Equipped with a new disinfecting fog machine, thanks to a personal protective equipment grant from the Timmins Chamber of Commerce and Newmont, Lisa Tremblay says Discover Fitness/Discover Performance is going above and beyond to ensure a safe environment.

"We are ready to rock and roll. We have been ready for so long and we just need them to flick the switch and be like yes, you can have people in."

Lisa Tremblay of Discover Fitness
Co-owner of Discover Fitness/Discover Performance, Lisa Tremblay, is excited to welcome back clients to her gym.  She tells CTV News many changes have been implemented at the facility to make it safe, including the addition of a disinfecting fog machine. July 12/2020 (Lydia Chubak/CTV News Northern Ontario)

The past few months put the owners to the test in order to survive.  They rented out equipment; they offered virtual classes and races; and they reconfigured the facility.

"The equipment will be spread out on the floor. Some equipment will not be able to be used, because of those rules. Our private studios are already re-set in terms of boxes, you have an area that you can work."

Porcupine Health Unit officials emphasized that good behavior got the region to stage 2 and must continue. 

"As restrictions are lifted and more businesses are allowed to open there is a risk of further outbreaks so we do need the community support and the help to ensure that they are following the public health measures," explains Chantal Riopel, manager of foundational standards and chief nursing officer for the Porcupine Health Unit. 

She adds, COVID-19 surveillance and contact tracing performance are taken into consideration when the province determines who goes on to the next level.

"I feel at the Porcupine Health Unit, we do have good processes or procedures in place to respond to a positive test so that we can prevent further spread of the infection in our communities," states Riopel.  

In order to reduce the spread of COVID-19, Tremblay has implemented other big changes at the gym. It's now a private member fitness centre--no more revolving door; and it will not be open 24 hours.