For 102 summers, the sound of laughing as lawn bowls rolled across the greens on Ontario Street has been part of life in Stayner. This autumn, that tradition will come to an end.
The Stayner Lawn Bowling Club has announced that it will permanently cease operations at the conclusion of the 2026 lawn bowling season, bringing to a close one of Clearview Township’s oldest sporting organizations.
Established in 1924, the club was founded when local businessmen arranged to lease the property from the Canadian National Railway (CNR). Early pictures show a field with white lines identifying the rinks, Model T cars and a horse carriage along the road. A 1951 picture shows a small building with covered porch that the club over the years expanded and renovated into the current club house. CNR passed the property to the newly amalgamated township of Clearview in 1994. More than a century later, the club remains at its original location at 205 Ontario St., where generations of volunteers have maintained the grass bowling green and welcomed members of all ages – from children to seniors well into their 90s.
Over its 102-year history, thousands of residents and visitors have stepped onto the Stayner green. Some came for competition, many more for friendship, gentle exercise, and the enjoyment of a uniquely social sport. Countless volunteers have cut the grass, rolled the green, painted the clubhouse, organized jitneys, leagues and tournaments, coached new bowlers, and ensured that one of Stayner’s oldest sporting traditions continued into its second century.
The decision to close was made by the club’s executive committee after careful consideration and advising membership of issues affecting the club’s long-term future.
“There is no single reason for this decision,” said club president Cindy Smith. “The executive carefully examined options before concluding that the club could no longer continue operations.”
One significant factor was a proposed new lease with Clearview Township that would have transferred substantial financial responsibility and liability for the township-owned clubhouse to the club. As a small, volunteer-run, not-for-profit corporation with limited financial resources, the club concluded it could not responsibly assume the potential liability for major structural repairs to the club house building.
Another factor was the club’s size along with member’s ages. Although membership has experienced modest growth the overall number of members remains too small to sustain long-term operations. The club relies entirely on volunteers not only to administer its affairs but also to maintain the bowling green to the high standard required for the sport. The average age of members is now over 77 so some of the work is beyond the abilities of members to complete safely. And, raising fees to hire services would mean some members could not afford to play.
Clearview Township has graciously allowed lawn bowling to continue through the remainder of the current season. The final day of play has not yet been determined but is expected to be near the end of October.
In 2024 the club marked its 100th anniversary an extraordinary milestone that reflected more than a century of community involvement and sporting tradition. Members have proudly represented Stayner through the Ontario Lawn Bowls Association, successfully competing alongside clubs throughout central Ontario while introducing countless local residents to the game.
The Stayner Lawn Bowling Club extends its heartfelt thanks to its members, volunteers, many business sponsors, Clearview Township, the Ontario Lawn Bowls Association, and the residents who have supported the club throughout its remarkable history.
“While we are saddened that this remarkable chapter is coming to an end, we are immensely proud of what our club has contributed to Stayner, the Clearview community and surrounding area over the past 102 years,” said club secretary, Cheryl Costa. “The friendships formed, the enjoyment shared, and the spirit that defined our club will remain a lasting legacy.”
Although the Stayner Lawn Bowling Club will soon become part of the community’s history, its members hope residents will remember the important role it played in bringing people together across generations, enriching members’ lives and tourism for the area for more than a century.
– Submitted by the Stayner Lawn Bowling Club.
