KELOWNA – A re-elected BC NDP government will invest $20 million over four years to expand the Kelowna International Airport, driving economic growth in the region and creating opportunities for jobs, business investment, and increased municipal revenues.

“There is untapped potential in Kelowna that we need to unlock,” said David Eby, BC NDP Leader. “This is an investment in Kelowna's future that will result in more jobs and an estimated $1 billion in economic activity.”

With this funding, the BC NDP government will work with the City of Kelowna and the federal government to extend electrical, water and sewage infrastructure to more than 66.77 hectares (165 acres) of empty land, opening up opportunities for investment and future growth on the land.

Kelowna International Airport is B.C.’s second-busiest, contributing more than $2 billion annually to the local economy and supporting over 9,000 jobs.

“Across Canada, everyday costs are climbing, and wages aren't keeping up,” added Loyal Wooldridge, BC NDP candidate for Kelowna-Centre. “The best thing we can do for Kelowna is deliver jobs that put real money back into your pocket. Expanding YLW unlocks 165 acres of empty land and delivers an estimated $1 billion boost to our local economy. That means careers with paycheques that actually pay the bills, and a stronger commercial tax base so everyday homeowners aren't stuck footing the bill for the services we all rely on.”

Growing YLW is part of David Eby and the BC NDP’s plan to build BC strong, which also includes introducing a new Youth Hiring Tax Credit and supporting businesses impacted by Trump’s trade war and by the recent wildfires with interest-free loans of up to $1 million.