Construction is rolling on a state-of-the-art heavy-duty truck dealership and service centre at Kelowna International Airport (YLW).
Velocity Truck Centres has 18 locations across Western Canada, including a facility in West Kelowna, and is building its 19th dealership at 6320 Lapointe Drive at YLW.
The 41,000-square-foot facility has 19 service bays including a hydrogen and CNG-compliant technician’s bay.
“To our knowledge, this will be the only one in the region,” explained Rod Graham, Velocity Trucks president, at a sod-turning event on Friday (Apr 12). “We will also have ample charging capacity for EV rolling stock.”
The new facility will be a centre of excellence for sales, service, support and supply in the B.C. Interior, he added.
Graham said the company’s goals align with YLW’s vision to be carbon neutral by 2030.
“A shout out to the City of Kelowna and the Kelowna airport for the call to action. Velocity Truck Centres will be part of that solution.”
Mayor Tom Dyas called the facility an achievement for the city and Velocity.
“It is a clear demonstration of the commitment and vision the private sector shares with the city on addressing climate change through finding sustainable and innovative solutions.”
Airport CEO, Sam Samaddar, called Velocity a pioneer in green technology and sustainability.
“It is important that we have partners committed to supporting the net-zero initiatives and greenhouse gas reduction strategies that YLW is working towards.”
Samaddar added that partnering with Velocity aligns with YLW’s vision to be an airport of the future and a driver of regional economic development.
“It demonstrates the potential of the YLW campus as a hub for transportation, logistics and clean tech solutions.”
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