Okanagan college Advances Plans for New Aircraft Maintenance School
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A proposed aircraft maintenance school in Kelowna, British Columbia, is moving forward after the City of Kelowna received a development permit application for the project on Sunday, January 11, 2026.the new facility aims to expand training opportunities in the aviation sector and bolster the region’s aerospace industry.
Expanding Aerospace Training in British Columbia
The proposed OCAC Training Facility for Okanagan College will be located at 6100 Lapointe Dr. and is envisioned as a “direct extension” of the highly-regarded KF Aerospace Center of Excellence. This strategic alignment will allow students to benefit from existing industry connections and expertise.
The project encompasses two key structures: a substantial aircraft hangar and a two-story academic building. According to the development application, “This intentional contrast allows the hangar to remain visually recessive and functional, while the academic building establishes a strong civic presence at the campus edge.” This design philosophy prioritizes both operational efficiency and aesthetic integration within the campus habitat.
Facility Details and Design
The aircraft hangar will span 20,600 square feet, providing ample space for aircraft maintenance and hands-on training. The academic building will offer 21,400 square feet of space across it’s two floors, accommodating classrooms and administrative offices.
The buildings’ exterior will feature a modern aesthetic, utilizing aluminum composite metal panels, wood grain cladding around entrances, and high-performance glazing glass around entrances, stairwells, and communal areas. A senior official stated that the design team prioritized accessibility throughout the project, ensuring accessible parking, entrances, and vertical circulation for all students and staff.
Commitment to Inclusivity and Further Information
MQN Architects is the designing company for the project. The development application underscores a commitment to inclusive design principles, ensuring the facility is welcoming and usable for individuals of all abilities.
Interested parties can find more information about the proposed OCAC Training Facility and the development process at www.kelowna.ca/homes-building/property-development/current-developments. This new school represents a significant investment in the future of aviation education and workforce development in the Okanagan region.
Why was this school proposed? Okanagan College and KF Aerospace identified a growing need for skilled aircraft maintenance technicians in British Columbia and the wider aerospace industry. The new facility aims to address this demand by expanding training capacity and providing students with industry-relevant skills.
Who is involved? Okanagan College is the primary proponent of the OCAC training Facility.KF Aerospace is a key partner, providing industry expertise and connections. MQN Architects is responsible for the facility’s design. The City of Kelowna is reviewing and processing the development permit application.
What will the facility offer? The OCAC Training Facility will provide comprehensive training in aircraft maintenance, utilizing a 20,600-square-foot hangar for hands-on experience and a 21,400-square-foot academic building for classroom instruction. The facility is designed to be accessible to all students and staff.
How did it end? As of January 11, 2026, the project is in the development permit application phase with the City of Kelowna. The application has been received, and the project is moving forward in the approval process. The ultimate outcome-approval and construction-remains pending the city’s review and any public feedback.
