YLW Master Plan guides the way to 2045

On Nov. 21, the final Kelowna International Airport (YLW) Master Plan 2045 was approved and adopted by Kelowna City Council.

In March 2015, YLW engaged SNC-Lavalin and its consultants to update the existing Master Plan 2025. The integrated team developed the new Master Plan 2045 in support of YLW’s vision to become the best mid-sized airport in North America.

“YLW is an important asset for the City of Kelowna and the entire Okanagan Valley,” said Airport Director, Sam Samaddar. “We need to plan ahead to ensure the future of YLW for upcoming generations.”

The YLW Master Plan 2045 is a critical airport planning document that will help guide YLW’s development to the year 2045. It will also provide guidance to the aviation and land use planning component of the City’s 2030 Official Community Plan.

Master Plan 2045 describes the ideal development options, facilities and systems needed to meet YLW’s strategic objectives and forecasted levels of passenger and aircraft traffic over the next thirty years. The plan provides detailed analysis and recommendations in eight different areas: air traffic forecasts, the airside system, the air terminal building, access and parking, operations and support, commercial development, utilities and land use planning.

“One key objective of YLW’s Master Plan 2045 was to encompass input from the communities and stakeholders served by YLW and to ensure this input is reflected in the development of the plan and the airport,” said Samaddar. “To accomplish this, the team held over 45 stakeholder meetings and open houses, completed print and online engagement and collected over 300 completed feedback surveys.”

Nine priorities were identified through these public consultations: More direct flights and flights overseas; Greater parking, shuttle and accessibility; Additional public transit to and from YLW; Outdoor signage and lighting enhancements; Improved arrivals area and expanded baggage carousels; Enhanced community greenspaces and noise protection; Greater food and beverage choices inside the terminal; Faster security screening; and Low service fees.

YLW would like to thank everyone who participated in developing Master Plan 2045. The feedback was highly appreciated and greatly considered in the development of this plan. For more information, visit ylw.kelowna.ca.