Kitchener bowling alley may be nearing its final frame

CTV’s Spencer Turcotte finds out why bowlers at AMF Frederick Lanes believe the alley could soon be closing for good.

There is growing concern that AMF Frederick Lanes in Kitchener could soon close, after customers say staff told them earlier this week the long-running bowling alley may shut its doors.

Regulars are scrambling to save the space, describing a mix of heartbreak and confusion as uncertainty surrounds the 32-lane facility.

The company has not made any public announcements. However, several staff members have reportedly been told they will be out of work as of next Wednesday.

But at noon on a weekday, the lanes remain busy. The parking lot is full, and the sound of pins crashing echoes throughout the building — a familiar scene for many who have spent years there.

“It’s kind of become a part of our lives the last 12 years,” said Eden Douel, a regular bowler.

But those sounds could soon go silent.

“We had found out Monday after the staff were told … a decision had come down that they were closing the centre as of May 6,” Douel said.

CTV News reached out to U.S.-based Lucky Strike Entertainment, the owner of the Kitchener bowling alley, for confirmation. Calls and emails were not returned before publication.

All signs point to uncertainty as there are no lane reservations available on the company’s website beyond Saturday.

“I immediately went into one of the stages of grief,” said Mason Tikl, another regular. “I typically start fighting. I’m like denial, denial, denial.”

A CTV News reporter tried to discuss the concerns with management on site, but he was asked to leave.

In the meantime, bowlers are speaking out in an effort to save the facility.

“You do have local bowling alleys, but they’re not really made or set up for league bowling. They’re just more entertainment purposes,” Douel said.

“It’s obviously untenable to go to Burlington Bowl or some other place that’s an hour away three times a week for recreation,” Tikl added.

Frederick Lanes has also been used by local bowlers training for international competitions representing Canada.

A petition to save the lanes is now gaining traction. Supporters hope the parent company will reverse the reported decision or that a new owner will step in to keep the space operating as a bowling alley.

“It’s devastating. It hurts,” Mason said. “But I’m hoping, through our petition, we can try to slow the process down.”

With little time to spare, loyal customers said all they can do for now is make every game count.

Few details are known about what may happen to the building or why the bowling alley is allegedly closing, but for many in the community, the goal is clear: keep the pins standing.