Vancouver Island Bowling Alley May Be Nearing Its Final Frame
In a development that has stirred the local community, Nanaimo’s cherished Brechin Lanes bowling alley, a staple of entertainment since the 1970s, faces an uncertain future. Positioned on East Wellington Road, this iconic five-pin bowling center is currently up for sale, a situation that may signal the end of an era.
The property, encompassing a 13,000-square-foot building on a 0.4-hectare lot, carries a price tag of $3.4 million. With an offer already accepted, the sale is undergoing the due diligence phase, marking a pivotal moment for the beloved establishment.
Ray Brittain, the current owner, has expressed concerns regarding the escalating costs of running the business. With increasing expenses such as property taxes, insurance, employee wages, and pending building maintenance, the decision to sell was described as pragmatic and proactive. Ray emphasized the goal was to act before the business or building fell into disrepair.
Despite a year filled with business achievements, the burdens of upkeep and the awareness of seasonal downturns weigh heavily. Even with thoughts of renovating and expanding the business by adding an arcade, financial feasibility studies steered them away from such investments. The competition from another local bowling alley, coupled with the upcoming summer slowdown, has prompted tough decisions about the future of Brechin Lanes.
The Brittain family had initially hoped to find a buyer who would continue to operate the alley. However, the realization that future owners would face the same financial hurdles has dampened that prospect. The potential exists for the bowling equipment to find a local buyer after the sale of the land and building, though the outlook for new five-pin bowling centers remains bleak.
Brechin Lanes holds a rich history, originating from a venture started by Roy Robertson in 1956 on Waddington Road with just six lanes. John Brittain, Ray’s father, acquired the business in 1967, ushering in an era of modernization with automatic pin-setting machines in 1969. These very machines accompanied the business when it relocated to its current East Wellington Road site in 1978, marking a significant expansion.
Ray and his wife Tianna took the helm in 2002, fully immersing themselves in every aspect of the business. Despite the sacrifices, including time away from family, Ray reflects on the invaluable experiences and community bonds formed over the years. The alley has not only hosted countless birthdays but has also been a starting point for many careers in Nanaimo. Its contribution to the community extends beyond entertainment; it has fostered talent through its youth bowling program, which is touted as the largest in British Columbia, and its Special Olympics program.
With the sale not yet finalized, Ray faces uncertainty about his next steps, though retirement was not his initial plan. The impending closure elicits a sense of loss, not just for the Brittain family, but for the generations of Nanaimo residents for whom Brechin Lanes has been a venue of joy, camaraderie, and achievement.
The story of Brechin Lanes is still unfolding. What remains certain, however, is its undying legacy as a cornerstone of Nanaimo’s social fabric, cherished by those who have walked through its doors over the decades.
