Showing off education hub

The Regional District of Central Okanagan showed off their education facilities on Wednesday, everything from elementary classrooms to doctoral labs.

The RDCO in partnership with Tourism Kelowna and Accelerate Okanagan, hosted elected officials, community partners and economic development staff as they got an up close and personal tour of the Okanagan's growing knowledge hub.

“It was an incredible privilege to engage with academic leaders, learning about the research, innovation and world-class programming these institutions provide in the Central Okanagan,” said Blair Ireland, chair of the RDCO Board.

"Today’s insights have inspired us, deepening our commitment to a shared vision of a resilient, skilled and diverse regional economy. These institutions serve as the engine behind our regional economy, it is essential to foster an environment that not only attracts and retains top talent but also promotes research, innovation and experiential learning."

Regional leaders got a tour of the new $61.3 million Centre for Food, Wine and Tourism and cutting-edge learning spaces, which aims to close critical workforce gaps in the Okanagan and beyond.

Familiarization tours are a staple in the tourism and hospitality space and provide guests with firsthand experiences, immersing them in regional services and facilities.

Tours like this one are designed to provide a platform for elected officials and partners to connect with leaders from School District 23, the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus and Okanagan College.

During the tour, participants gained insights into academic updates, and strategic priorities and celebrated the successes of community integration efforts that are fueling economic growth in the Central Okanagan.

“UBC Okanagan offers students a world-class education and a globally recognized university degree right in their own backyard,” said Dr. Lesley Cormack, principal of UBC Okanagan.

“UBCO creates unique opportunities for students to be part of the innovative solutions of tomorrow through research partnerships and experiential learning opportunities with industry and communities. We take pride in serving as our community’s source for homegrown professionals like doctors, engineers, teachers and nurses while being a key driver of the region’s ability to attract and retain people of great talent and diverse backgrounds.”

Overall, the day showcased the thriving education ecosystem in the Central Okanagan, providing a platform for key regional institutions, community organizations, and elected officials to connect. It also served as an opportunity to share strategies and emphasize the crucial role these institutions play in education, acting as the backbone for fostering talent and supporting sustainable economic growth.

To learn more about the COEDC click here.