YLW to be expanded using mass timber

Kelowna International Airport (YLW) is receiving some provincial support to expand the terminal using sustainable materials.

The B.C. Government is investing $500,000 to expand the airport.

“This investment will go towards the project using mass timber,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation.

“Through the Mass Timber Demonstration Project, the airport will receive funds for support for costs associated with using mass timber, as well as the creation of a digital construction twin, advanced fire modelling, and lifecycle assessment of the building materials.”

The use of prefabricated mass timber panels, which are engineered for strength by fastening together layers of smaller-dimension wood, is expected to cut the construction time for the expansion work.

The province noted that mass timber can deliver as much as seven times the economic value when compared to milling logs for lumber, and can match or exceed the structural performance of concrete and steel while reducing carbon emissions by as much as 45 per cent.

“[Mass timber] is a low carbon, high-value wood product,” said Kahlon.

“This is changing the way we build here at home and is changing the way we build around the world.”

The airport will remain operational during the nearly 8,000 square metre expansion work, which is expected to be completed and open to travellers in 2026.

“I’m thrilled to see that the terminal expansion will use mass timber, showcasing the versatility and design capabilities of B.C. lumber, while also contributing to the local economy,” said Kelowna Mayor, Colin Basran.

“As YLW is the gateway to the Okanagan, the choice to use mass timber is an important decision to highlight the characteristics reflective of the region.”

Additionally, the province announced another $2-million investment in the Mass Timber Demonstration Program, which provides projects with up to $500,000 for incremental or one-time costs associated with design development, permitting and construction activities using mass timber.

“We’re excited to continue onward with the Mass Timber Demonstration Program,” said George Chow, Minister of State for Trade and chair of the Mass Timber Advisory Council.

“This new intake will further advance B.C.’s mass-timber sector by continuing to grow B.C.’s position as a world leader in the field, while also building the knowledge and talent to keep driving the sector forward here at home.”

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