New Centre for Food, Wine and Tourism Centre ready for construction

Construction is set to begin this summer on a new Centre for Food, Wine and Tourism at Okanagan College’s Kelowna campus.

The $55.8 million centre will train people for in-demand jobs and help support the province’s tourism sector.

Lisa Beare, the minster of Post Secondary Education, said B.C. is expecting 91,000 new job openings in tourism-and hospitality-related industries over the next decade, and the majority of those will require some form of post-secondary education or skills training.

The centre is expected to open to students in 2026, with classrooms, food labs as well as beverage research and development facilities.

The province is providing $51.8 million for the project with Okanagan College funding the remaining $4 million.

Neil Fassina, president of Okanagan College, said they are thrilled to see construction ready to proceed.

“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,” Fassina said.

As of 2023, 289,000 people were employed in B.C.’s tourism- and hospitality-related industries.