OC President Neil Fassina, KF Aerospace Founder Barry Lapointe, Okanagan College student Mikayla McDermott, OC VP Academic Samantha Lenci and OC Dean of Trades and Apprenticeship Caitlin Hartigan gather around a rendering of a newly announced $22-million facility to expand the College’s Aircraft Maintenance Engineer programming./ OC College/KF Aerospace

By Vernon Matters Staff

preparing for the future

$22M aviation training centre for Kelowna

Nov 19, 2025 | 5:21 PM

A new $22-million aviation training and education centre is coming to the Kelowna International Airport lands.

The BPL Legacy Association (owners of the KF Centre for Excellence) have announced a joint initiative with Okanagan College.

Once complete, it will allow Okanagan College to expand its Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) programs from its current capacity of 30 students to 140 students per year by 2028.

The new facility – to be finished late 2027 – will add 42,000 square feet to the current YLW footprint.

The new, modern facility will include workshops, classrooms, and a hangar space to accommodate all three (current and future) AME programs.

Bylaw Complaints

Vernon Bylaw files increased in 2025, but not to record highs

8h ago

Tax Exemption Policy

Coldstream supporting call to remove PST from municipal operations

9h ago

2024 Homicide

Canada-wide warrant issued in relation to Surrey murder

11h ago

“Aviation has always been my passion, ” Barry Lapointe, Founder & Chair, BPL Legacy Association, said.

“My goal has always been to inspire and prepare the next generation of aerospace professionals right here in the Okanagan. By expanding training opportunities through Okanagan College, we’re investing in people, our community, and Canada’s future in flight.”