Hi, my name is Chris and I have started a GoFundMe for my friend Gary Sharp, who is the owner of Presqu'ile Lanes. Most of you know that 25 years ago, Gary and a partner purchased Ontario’s second oldest operating 6 lane 5 pin bowling centre here in Brighton. It was built in 1946 and up to now, had the original wooden lanes. Although the partnership did not last, Gary continued to pour his heart and sole into re-establishing the sport of 5 pin bowling locally. New leagues were created that included Seniors and Youth. Over the past few years, several teams and individuals have won Provincial Championships under the Ontario Five Pin program. Seniors are able to come out on Tuesday morning or afternoons and enjoy themselves socially and lead a healthy lifestyle within the game of bowling. Couples or singles can join an evening league and there is even a Thursday ladies only league, the longest running league at Brighton.

In an effort to “keep up with the times” and to better serve his clients, there was a decision made in early 2025 to refurbish the original wooden lanes with newer synthetic lanes. This was supposed to be an easy renovation but within hours of starting the process, it became apparent that they had opened up Pandora’s box. We knew some re-leveling would be required but it was much more severe than that. Every lane – every board – had to be re-finished. The original plan was to apply the new synthetic lanes over the existing lanes but it became obvious new plywood would have to go down and in some areas, several layers of a special cardboard liner had to be applied. Delay after delay.

So, why start the GoFundMe for Gary ? Because he cares. He wants to keep this sport alive and needs your help. The costs have gotten out of reach for this project. What should have been a 5 day task has grown to almost a month job. I have been helping Mike in my spare time and the amount of plywood, the special line and screws (hundreds and hundreds) they are having to buy is astonishing. And of course, all the extra labour costs. Plus, think about all the lost revenue during this shut down period. All you need to do is to look across Ontario… look at how so many bowling centres have closed down or are up for sale. Owning a small bowling centre is not a profit generator – it is a love of the sport that keeps Gary going. I can also add that Manager Mike has been a front row helper in doing the repairs and feels Gary pain. So, if you can help out by making a donation, that would be great and muchly appreciated. Thanks, Chris