Feature photo: Dane Sonstenes and his son Anders say bowling is alive and well with numerous leagues year round, bowling parties and cottagers in search of fun on rainy summer days.

Elgin Bowling Lanes: Keeping sport Alive 

ELGIN - The owner of Elgin Bowling Lanes is happy to be a bit of an anomaly.

Dane Sonstenes is the first to say 5-pin bowling centres are a forgotten business across most of Ontario but he's bucking the trend with increased traffic and interest.

"Spring is busy and our summers are getting busier too with cottagers having us in their routine. We love rainy days," says Dane, adding their slogan is "Family Run, Family Fun." Elgin Bowling Lanes offers public bowling and hosts group events.

They feature pizza made from scratch and poutine made to order. Ice cream joins the flavour experience in the summertime. Craft beers and coolers are sold and the centre is licensed.

The Lanes are busy most of the year with competitive play, including mixed, youth and children's leagues. Dane is also part of Bowl Canada.

His Senior Girls Doubles team of Ameliya Gordon and his daughter Clara Sonstenes went to the Nationals last year after winning the Ontario championships. Recently they competed in the Provincial Championship in Barrie.

"There are only a few four-lane bowling houses left in Southern Ontario and I'm proud to say we are one of them," says Dane, adding the business is open year round.

The centre is unique in that it has the original lanes and pin setters. It also features new approaches and computer scoring.

Located at 15 Church Street, the building has been a bowling centre for many years but was closed for 9 years before Dane and his family purchased it in 2005. It was in bad repair but they rebuilt it with care.

"It seemed like a good opportunity. We were looking at something we could do as a family," says Dane. All three of his children, Anders, Nissa and Clara, have been competitive bowlers. "They've grown up here."

Learn more about Elgin Bowling Lanes by visiting their Facebook page and see their Instagram account.

Give them a call at 613-929-2695 or send them an email to book a time.

Story and photos courtesy of the Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office.