The History of Bowls Alberta: A Legacy of Growth, Unity, and Excellence

A Divided Beginning (Pre-1989)

Lawn bowling in Alberta traces its roots back more than a century, but for much of its history, it was divided along gender lines. Men and women played separately, governed by two distinct organizations:

  • The Alberta Ladies Lawn Bowling Association (ALLBA), which provided a structure for female bowlers to compete, organize events, and promote the sport among women.
  • The Alberta Lawn Bowling Association (ALBA), the men’s governing body, which held its own tournaments and administrative control.

Each association had its own bylaws, leadership, and annual general meetings. While both organizations worked tirelessly to grow the sport, their separation limited the potential for unified development, shared resources, and strategic growth.

As the 1980s progressed, the landscape of sport governance in Canada was shifting. Other provinces had begun merging their men’s and women’s lawn bowling associations, aligning with the movement toward greater inclusivity and efficiency in sports administration. The question arose in Alberta: Could a unified organization strengthen the sport’s future?

The Push for Unity (1988)

By 1988, discussions had gained momentum. Lawn bowling leaders across the province began to recognize that a single, united organization would allow for better coordination of competitions, stronger advocacy for funding, and a more cohesive player experience.

Throughout the year, meetings were held across Alberta, with representatives from both associations weighing the advantages and challenges of a merger. Would combining forces create a stronger, more sustainable future? Could past rivalries and traditions be reconciled?

Finally, on October 21, 1988, a historic decision was made—the formation of a new, unified organization that would govern all of lawn bowling in Alberta.

The first executive board of the new association was elected, bringing together leaders from across the province:

  • President: John Barnes (Edmonton)
  • Vice President – Program: G.A. (Sandy) Morrice (Medicine Hat)
  • Vice President – Program: Margaret Fettes (Edmonton)
  • Secretary: Debbie Neilson (Calgary)
  • Treasurer: Jan Wojcik (Calgary)
  • Provincial Director: George Ashford (Edmonton)
  • Past President: Eleanor Hornland (Calgary)
  • Program Coordinator: Nicholas Watkins (Edmonton)

With this executive team in place, the association took its first steps into a new era.

The Birth of the Lawn Bowls Association of Alberta (1989)

On January 20, 1989, the new organization was officially incorporated under the name Lawn Bowls Association of Alberta (LBAA). This milestone represented a bold step forward, uniting Alberta’s bowlers under a shared vision: to grow and promote the sport across all regions and skill levels.

To ensure fair representation across the province, Alberta was divided into three divisions:

  • North Division: Edmonton, Lloydminster, Wainwright
  • Central Division: Calgary, Didsbury, Red Deer
  • South Division: Medicine Hat, Lethbridge

The newly formed association was anchored by 13 founding clubs, each bringing its own history, traditions, and membership base:

  • Bow Valley (Calgary)
  • Calgary Lawn Bowling Club
  • Commonwealth (Edmonton)
  • Didsbury & District
  • Highlands (Edmonton)
  • Inglewood (Calgary)
  • Lethbridge
  • Lloydminster
  • Medicine Hat
  • Red Deer
  • Royal Canadian Legion (Calgary) – later renamed Rotary Park Lawn Bowling Club
  • Wainwright

With a clear mission to promote participation, development, and excellence in bowls, LBAA set out to elevate the sport across Alberta.

Growing Pains and Triumphs (1990s–2000s)

The early years of LBAA were marked by both progress and challenges. Membership grew as clubs adapted to the new unified structure, but maintaining engagement was an ongoing struggle. Some rural clubs, including those in Didsbury, Red Deer, and Wainwright, faced declining numbers and were eventually forced to close.

Despite these losses, the association remained resilient. New clubs emerged, and the leadership continued to focus on player development, competition opportunities, and community outreach. By the early 2000s, lawn bowling in Alberta had evolved into a more structured, inclusive, and competitive sport.

During this time, coaching programs were expanded, ensuring that players had access to the training needed to compete at higher levels. Provincial tournaments gained prestige and recognition, producing Alberta champions who went on to compete nationally and internationally.

The association’s focus remained strong:
✅ Developing skilled athletes through structured training
✅ Providing competitive and recreational pathways for all ages
✅ Fostering a welcoming and inclusive bowls community

A New Era: From LBAA to Bowls Alberta (2018–Present)

As the sport of bowls modernized worldwide, the need for a refreshed identity became evident. In 2018, the Lawn Bowls Association of Alberta underwent a transformative change, rebranding as Bowls Alberta (BA).

This shift aligned Alberta’s organization with Bowls Canada Boulingrin and other provincial bodies like Bowls BC, Bowls SK, and Bowls MB. More importantly, it embraced the international identity of the sport, known simply as bowls worldwide.

Today, seven of the original founding clubs remain active members of Bowls Alberta. New additions, including Stanley Park Lawn Bowling Club (Calgary) and Royal Lawn Bowling Club (Edmonton), have brought fresh energy to the organization. In a testament to the sport’s adaptability, Alberta also welcomed its first indoor lawn bowling club, Edmonton Indoor LBC, which plays on converted indoor soccer fields—expanding access to bowls year-round.

Present and Future: Supporting the Mission, Vision, and Values of Bowls Alberta

Bowls Alberta is more than just a governing body—it is a community dedicated to fostering excellence, inclusivity, and growth. Guided by our mission, vision, and values, we continue to:
✅ Support Athlete Development – From grassroots to high-performance pathways, we help bowlers reach their full potential.
✅ Promote a Safe, Inclusive Sport – Upholding the principles of respect, integrity, and fair play, ensuring everyone feels valued.
✅ Strengthen Clubs and Community Engagement – Providing resources, funding, and marketing support to help clubs grow and thrive.
✅ Expand Opportunities for Participation – Introducing new players, schools, and diverse communities to the sport we love.

As we look to the future, Bowls Alberta remains committed to preserving the sport’s rich history while embracing innovation and progress. With strong leadership, dedicated volunteers, and passionate athletes, we continue to shape the future of bowls in Alberta—one end at a time.

To explore the history of the game beyond Alberta, visit the World Bowls website.