BPL Legacy Association, Okanagan College plan new aerospace training centre

New aviation training hub

The BPL Legacy Association and Okanagan College are teaming up to build a new $22-million aerospace training facility at Kelowna International Airport.

The 42,000-square-foot building will include classrooms, workshops and a hangar, allowing the college to expand its Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) programs from 30 students to 140 students per year by 2028.

“Aviation has always been my passion,” said Barry Lapointe, founder and chair of the BPL Legacy Association. “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.”

The new centre will be built next to the KF Centre for Excellence, which opened in 2022. Construction is expected to start in spring 2026 and finish in time for students in September 2027.

Okanagan College now offers AME programs at both the Kelowna and Vernon airports. With the new space, the College plans to add more program options.

Student Mikayla McDermott said she’s grateful for the training she is receiving.

''I think it's an amazing opportunity. It's a large group of space and gets you closer to the aviation environment... closer to what you are going to be in the workplace,'' she said.

The BPL Legacy Association will fund $17 million of the project. Okanagan College will work to secure the remaining $5 million and will lease space in the new building once it is complete.