ATHENS – What began as a family experiment during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 lockdown has grown into a technology company serving gyms in small markets across Canada, the United States, and even Iceland, all from rural Leeds Grenville.

Facility Kinetics, creators of the Kinect gym management and access control software, was founded in February 2020 by father BJ Ward along with his sons Brandon and Ty. While many businesses were struggling to adapt, out of necessity and inspiration, the Ward family began developing technology that would eventually help independent gym operators run their facilities more efficiently by consolidating multiple systems into one platform.

“The idea began when Brandon created an app on his smartphone that could remotely lock and unlock a physical mechanism,” BJ explained. With years of experience in the fitness industry through his former business, Fitness Solutions in Kingston, BJ understood the challenges faced by independent operators in small markets.

“Many smaller facilities don’t have the resources of larger chains,” BJ said. “We’ve positioned this as the only Canadian gym management software with door access built right in. It’s a simple, affordable all-in-one solution that allows owners to spend less time behind a desk and more time on helping their members and growing their business.”

The family tested the system in their Athens gym, where results were immediate; 135 members joined in three days. Their Westport facility followed, adding approximately 170 members within weeks.

From there, Kinect evolved into a fully integrated platform that extends beyond access control. It combines membership management, recurring billing, point-of-sale, class scheduling, reporting, analytics, and security integration. Owners manage operations remotely, while members access facilities 24/7 through a smartphone app.

“Setup only takes a few steps, and new members can create an account, enter the gym, and start working out in about ten minutes—no staff required,” BJ said.

Growth now extends well beyond Eastern Ontario. Most Kinect customers are in Canada, the company’s core market. “You’ll notice our brand colours are red and white, that’s intentional,” BJ said. Additional clients are located across the United States as far away as Alaska. Today, Kinect supports approximately 150 facilities.

Despite its reach, Facility Kinetics remains firmly rooted in Leeds Grenville. “It’s a great place to live, it’s my home and where my family is,” BJ said. Local clients include PowerPole Fitness in Merrickville and Heavy Weights Gym in Elizabethtown-Kitley, while the family continues operating gyms in Athens and Westport.



The company’s strength lies in a rare combination: BJ’s retail and customer service leadership, Ty’s financial training, and Brandon’s technical expertise. Together, this “trifecta” has built a successful and scalable global business grounded in practical needs and innovation, operating from the small community of Athens.

The Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office is asking individuals, municipal councils and economic development committees to nominate candidates for the annual Bill Thake Memorial Award for Economic Development Leadership.

The Bill Thake Award for Economic Development Leadership was introduced in 2011. This annual award, also called the Warden’s Award, recognizes and celebrates an individual who has shown outstanding commitment and leadership resulting in the growth and vitality of the Leeds Grenville economy.

The award winner will be announced prior to the Economic Development Summit and will be officially honoured at the event on November 20th.

Before heading off for summer vacation, talk to your colleagues and community members about who is deserving of this award in your municipality. If you have someone in mind who is a resident within the 10-member municipalities of Leeds Grenville, consider putting their name forward.

Connect with us at econdev@uclg.on.ca or call Shelbi McFarlane at 613-342-3840 ext. 5361. For more, visit the Summit 2026 webpage.

The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, September 18 at 4 p.m.

REDI Program Assists New Physician

Residents of Seeley’s Bay will continue to have access to local primary healthcare thanks to the successful recruitment of Dr. Tauqeer Tariq through Ontario’s Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) pilot program. Dr. Tariq has taken over the practice of retiring physician Dr. Debbie Briggs, who served the community for 28 years. The recruitment effort involved Dr. Briggs, the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands, and the Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office.

Battery Project Receives Shipment

The Port of Johnstown recently welcomed the the first of three vessels delivering battery energy storage units for the Skyview 2 project. Located in the Township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal, Skyview 2 is Canada's largest battery energy storage project. Two additional shipments are expected in the coming weeks. The project highlights the Port's vital role in supporting major infrastructure investments, strengthening supply chains, and advancing clean energy development while generating economic benefits for the region. Photo courtesy Port of Johnstown.

Immigration Partnership Updates Guide

The St. Lawrence-Rideau Immigration Partnership are pleased to provide the 2026 Newcomer Welcome Guide to help newcomers transition to Leeds Grenville. This guide was written with basic information about first arrival, obtaining important Canadian documents and information on everyday living in the Counties. Explore all that this area has to offer with its natural beauty and many local events and festivals. For further information contact Lauren Smith.

The Entrepreneur of the Year Award recognizes an exceptional business owner who demonstrates innovation, leadership, and a strong commitment to business excellence. This award celebrates a Leeds Grenville entrepreneur who has successfully grown their business while making a positive impact on the local economy and community.

Nominees should exemplify vision, determination, and integrity through their entrepreneurial journey. They create opportunities for others, contribute to the vitality of Leeds Grenville, support community initiatives, and serve as role models for aspiring entrepreneurs. Through their achievements and community involvement, they help strengthen the region as a place to live and work.

2025 recipient Jenn Winter of Ignite Printing

Nominations are welcomed from individuals, organizations, business leaders, elected officials, and municipal and county staff. The award will be presented at the 2026 Small Business Success Forum (formerly Bridges to Better Business), recognizing the dedication, resilience, and contributions of local entrepreneurs who continue to drive economic growth and community prosperity.

To submit a nomination, please email the completed nomination form to Carol Hardy.

For more information, call Small Business Assistant Meagan Metcalf at 613-342-3840 ext. 5363.

The deadline to submit nominations

is Friday, August 21 at 4 p.m.

Receive assistance with:

• Developing and refining your business idea
• Preparing a professional business plan and cash flow projection
• Understanding government regulations, licensing, and registration requirements
• Conducting market research to identify your target audience and opportunities
• Exploring potential grant programs
• Accessing workshops, training, and local business resources

This rural commercial/industrial property offers a unique opportunity to acquire a well-maintained building on just over 2 acres. Finished in 2011, 2318 Second Concession Road features ample on-site parking, 400-amp electrical service, hydro and gas utilities, and a functional layout suited to commercial or light industrial operations. Conveniently located about 1.6 km from Highway 401 and within easy reach of Brockville and the Johnstown border crossing, the property provides excellent regional connectivity. Zoning permits a range of institutional and recreational uses, with potential for commercial or industrial applications subject to amendment.



View map for 2318 Second Concession Road.

New: Life Sciences Scale-Up Fund

The Life Sciences Scale-up Fund provides financial support to help small-to-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) scale up in the life sciences sector.

The Fund aims to help build a pipeline of strong innovative SMEs based in Ontario (or intending to relocate to Ontario) that are ready to respond to procurement opportunities.

The Community Futures Grenville Initiative provides non-repayable funding to support community economic development projects up to 50% of eligible project costs to a maximum of $10,000.

The grant supports projects that:

• address strategic economic development priorities
• support the business community
• have a significant, measurable impact
• demonstrate collaboration with community economic development partners
• support community capacity for economic development

Funding to support economic development projects in CF Grenville's service area. Applications are now being accepted for projects that will be delivered April 1, 2026 - March 31, 2027. Reach out to discuss your project.

Beyond Borders: Expanding Ontario Business in Europe

The Government of Ontario and the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade continues to support Ontario businesses in expanding into international markets and strengthening their global competitiveness through practical trade education and expert guidance. The event will provide Ontario exporters with a practical overview of how to enter and grow in European markets, reduce risk, and identify new opportunities across Europe. A central focus will be on how Ontario companies can use the Canada–European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) to reduce tariffs, improve market access, and compete more effectively.

Featured speakers will include:

• Jean-Toussaint Battestini, International Trade Expert on CETA
• Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
• Global Affairs Canada / TradeCommissioners Service
• Ontario Senior Economic Officers from Munich, Paris, and London

Agenda

Registration: 8:30-9 a.m.

Morning: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.: Using CETA in Practice / Preparing for CETA Markets and CETA / Opportunities / European Market Spotlights & Business Financing

Afternoon: 12-2 p.m.: Lunch Break, Networking & Meet the Ontario Team

FOCUS SECTORS

• IT & Communications
• Aerospace & Defence
• Clean Technologies
• Advanced Manufacturing

Search Engine Optimization: Understanding the Basics

Often you will hear about needing to optimize search engines or SEO. Now, with AI, the nature of SEO has changed, and your strategy towards optimizing for search engines needs to change too. In this webinar, the Digital Service Squad will explain search engine optimization and the best tactics you as a business can use towards increasing your searchability.

Learn about:

• What SEO is
• Importance of keywords
• Utilizing AI for SEO 
• On-page tactics
• Off-page tactics
• Technical SEO