ProActive Rehab celebrates new location at grand opening

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Leslie Tempest said it herself: she’s not one to shy away from a challenge. Just seven years into her career, she jumped at the chance to buy the clinic she worked for, then known as Huntsville Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Centre, in 1999. She threw her enthusiasm and dedication into growing the business, relocating and expanding it in 2001 when it was renamed ProActive Rehab and Sport Injury Centre.

Four years ago, it became apparent that the clinic needed to move again – they had outgrown their location off King William Street and needed to resolve issues with parking. It took some time to find the right spot but she found it in the Dairy Lane professional building.

Building owner Ed Wiebe worked with Tempest to convert six former suites into the open space she needed for her equipment. The result is a modern, bright and welcoming space, with an adjacent patio that overlooks the Muskoka River.

Wiebe joked that there would be no pot holes on his watch, and pointed out that clients can arrive not just by car but by boat, too. He also attested to Tempest’s dedication in working many evenings and weekends to complete the renovations, taking time away from her family.

“We are proud of this space and we are excited to show it off,” said Tempest. She thanked her family, in particular her husband Scott and children Kira and Will, for their help and patience during the renovations which extended through Christmas. “Christmas was quite altered in our household,” she said, adding for her kids’ benefit, “I promise next year will be better.”

Mayor Scott Aitchison was on hand for the official opening, helping Tempest to cut the ribbon.

“I’ve had personal experience here,” he said, referring to his visits after breaking his leg. “What I love about this business is that it’s about healing and encouraging and motivating people, and I’m glad to see that it’s growing.”

Tempest thanked her staff for their part in the businesses growth: “One of the wins is the team you work with – if you have a good team, you have a good win.”

The ProActive Rehab team (back row from left) Sarah Tyler, Marlee Moore, Stacey Van Schyndel; (middle row) Krista Thorpe, Stella Barnett, Leslie Tempest; (front row) Janet Srutwa, Cathy Shelton

The new space will allow for future expansion as needed. ProActive Rehab recently added two new services: Vestibular Rehabilitation for managing dizziness and vertigo, and the Progressive Goal Attainment Program (PGAP), a psychosocial intervention to help people who have been off work due to injury improved quality of life and get back into the workforce.

ProActive Rehab is now located at Unit 2, 23 Dairy Lane. Visit them on the web here.