Bowling lanes in Tyne Valley upgrading to 21st century

Bowling leagues in Tyne Valley, P.E.I., will continue, and hopefully expand, with infrastructure money to update the lanes at the fire hall.

Stacey Bishop, president of the Firemen's Club, said bowling at the hall is an important avenue for getting people out socializing, and getting some physical activity. But the lanes were working on pre-Windows software.

"The bowling lanes were put in about 20 years ago and at that time we put a second-hand system, which I believe, I was told, was about 20 years old at the time," said Bishop.

"We're looking at a 40-year-old system."

A $150,000 renovation

The lanes currently host 75-100 regular bowlers. Bishop hopes to expand that with seniors, men's, couples and youth leagues.

The age of the system meant upgrades and maintenance were impossible. Breakdowns were frequent, and there was concern frustration would drive bowlers away. The new system should be in before Christmas.

The bowling lane upgrade is part of a $150,000 renovation at the fire hall, with the costs being shared by the federal and provincial governments.

The fire hall is also getting a ventilation system for the canteen, and expanding the garage so the fire trucks can fill up on site.

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