A massive project for Okanagan College (OC) is expanding, thanks to the City of Kelowna.
Currently in the process of being built, the new OC Don Folk and Family Recreation and Wellness Centre was announced on Oct. 26, 2023, with a budget of $14 million. Through OC's Thrive Here campaign, the goal has almost been met, as $13 million has been raised.
But on Tuesday, May 6, in a partnership between the city and OC, the city pledged an additional $4 million to the project, expanding the budget to $18 million.
"This contribution has allowed the college to expand its original design and build a larger facility with additional space for fitness, recreation, and community-based programs," said Dyas. "Together, with the college, we will create a space to serve both the students and the broader public."
With the added money and expansion to the project, the facility will be able to offer the city's recreation programs as well, making it available to the public.
The building will have a competition-sized gym, sitting for over 800 people, a running track, a fitness suite, and a flexible programming space for meditation and yoga. It will also be a space to host student and community events like school orientation, business fairs, cultural celebrations and OC's convocation.
It will also be a training facility for both OC's basketball and baseball teams.
"If we're able to bring something forward with a shared cost of development, shared cost of construction, it really becomes a win for our residents, it becomes a win not only from a health standpoint but from an overall costing standpoint," Dyas told ronaldomanosa. He added with the project being in the Pandosy area, it could offer residents in the area a place that's easier to access, helping with transportation in town.
The idea of the city's involvement started when this term's council started.
"This centre with strengthen the bond between campus and community," said Dyas, confirming it's part of the Building a Stronger Kelowna initiative. "This project is a powerful example of what we can achieve when we work together."
In Tuesday's announcement, it was stated that the original $14 million announcement was the first phase, and the city's commitment has become phase two. Despite that, the whole building is expected to be completed by Fall 2026.
“We want people to be coming to campus and participating in college activities, connecting with students, and contributing to life at OC,” said OC president Dr. Neil Fassina. “For students, building relationships with others in the community is a way to network and experience more of what Kelowna has to offer.”
