A family that fled war in Syria and settled in Sooke seven years ago wants to build a bowling alley and restaurant in the community.
Luis Almhanna said the proposal will see 12 to 16 bowling lanes with a bar and pizza place on the ground floor and a Mediterranean-style restaurant on a second floor.
The family is expected to take their plans to Sooke council in September to rezone a single-family home property at 6727 West Coast Rd., close to the Otter Point Road intersection and Sooke’s core.
Almhanna said the family is holding an information session for public input and feedback on what they would like to see in the project. It takes place on Sunday, between 10 a.m. and noon at 2365 Church Rd. That’s the site of the Almhannas’ other business, Homeyland Daycare.
“We are excited about it because there is not a lot of recreation activities for people in Sooke, both young and old,” said Almhanna, who graduated from high school this year and is enrolled in engineering at the University of Victoria in the fall.
“That was one of the key factors. As a teenager there is not a lot to do, especially when its starts to rain.”
Almhanna said the proposed location is on a bus route, walkable from many areas of Sooke and is surrounded by other businesses.
Almhanna said the project’s goal is to provide a family friendly atmosphere and social gathering centre. He said the lanes would offer five- and 10-pin bowling.
If commercial zoning is approved and development permits are issued, the goal is start building early next year for a completion in early 2026. Early drawings are in the works.
Almhanna said his father, Ayam, was an electrical engineer in Syria and his uncle, Bahaa, a medical doctor. Both are involved in the project.
It would be the first time in more than 50 years that bowling would be available in Sooke,
Sooke had a bowling alley in the 1960s, according to Elida Peers, historian at the Sooke Region Museum. Rainbow Lanes was built by Bob Hughes on Highway 14 not far from the proposed new site. The long building still exists and has housed several businesses, including a library and restaurants, and most recently the Route 14 Sooke.
Peers said many people were bowling in the community in several leagues.
She said the museum has some photos of bowlers and their trophies. Peers estimated the bowling alley closed after about 15 years.
Greater Victoria currently has three bowling alleys — Langford Lanes, Sidney’s Miracle Lanes and a six-lane operation at Canadian Brewhouse at Uptown shopping centre.
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