Programs in Action: Bowling Alley Business is Revived

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January 28, 2020

The pins at Yellowknife’s Kingpin Bowling Centre have been bouncing again since Jingling Liu and her two sons arrived in August 2017.  The facility had been closed for almost half a year before she arrived under the Immigration Nominee Program, purchased the business and quickly got to work.

In her first six months, Liu renovated the facility, replaced equipment and inventory such as bowling shoes, and put her business plan into action with some aggressive marketing. There were challenges – not the least of which was getting repairs done in a town with no bowling machine mechanic but soon found her footing. Learning how to dress appropriately for the cold temperatures also involved a learning curve but Liu praises “enthusiastic Yellowknife people” for making her transition a smooth one.

“Yellowknife is very dynamic and economically developed city, the per capital disposable income here is very high," Liu says. “It is easy to buy an existing business or start a new business.”

From regular bookings of parties and events to the friendliness of customers, it is work Liu enjoys – and it comes with the added bonus of brushing up on her own bowling skills.

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Arriving from the bustling city of Shenzhen, China - which boasts a population of 12.5 million, Liu was eager to build a life in what she describes as the quiet and peaceful setting of Yellowknife. Having her sons embrace local culture has been important for Liu and her husband, who will soon be making the move to the NWT as well.   

Liu’s move was part of the Business Stream of the NWT Nominee Program – designed for people who want to immigrate to the NWT and start, purchase, or invest in a business.

“I am grateful for the support I received from the Nominee Program staff,” Liu says. “They outlined what requirements had to be met to proceed onto every next step.  Because the instructions are very detailed, it was very clear how to achieve my goal.”

In December 2019, Liu was officially nominated under the program, meaning that she can now apply for permanent residency through the Government of Canada.

“The most important thing is that the business environment here is very good,” Liu says. “The government here is very efficient and the Nominee Program staff are very helpful.”

Learn more about the NWT Nominee Program.