KELOWNA, B.C. – Construction is set to begin on a new centre for food, wine and tourism on Okanagan College’s Kelowna, B.C. campus.
The $55.8-million project will include teaching spaces, food labs, beverage research and development facilities and common spaces. Approximately $51.8 million in funding came from the provincial government with Okanagan College supplying the remaining $4 million.
“B.C. is expecting 91,000 new job openings in tourism- and hospitality-related industries over the next decade, and the majority of these jobs will require some form post-secondary education or skills training. This centre will equip students with the knowledge and experience they need to access these jobs and will provide employers in the Okanagan’s tourism and hospitality industries with the skilled talent they need,” said B.C. Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills Lisa Beare in a statement.
The centre will bring together all food, wine and tourism programming on campus and will allow Okanagan College to expand its culinary enrolment by more than 125 students per year, and hospitality and tourism enrolment by 450 students per year, the release said.
“We are thrilled to be breaking ground on the construction of our new centre for food, wine and tourism at Okanagan College. This building will be the gateway to campus, welcoming students, community and visitors, while at the same time showcasing the region as a world class destination for culinary experiences and so much more. This is the place where the next generation of leaders in hospitality and sustainable food and beverage production will come to learn, gain essential work experience, and to build connections that will last a lifetime,” Okanagan College president Neil Fassina added.
The centre is expected to open for students in 2026, the release said.
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