|
|
At the Regatta celebration
of 1919, a Curtiss JN4 Canuck owned by the Vancouver
Aerial League flew from the polo field near Gyro Park,
offering displays and rides for locals. It was so
popular that the pilot, Lt. G.K. Trim, stayed in the
area for some time.
Return to
map |
A series of visits by
various RCAF floatplanes during the 1920�s convinced
the city to look for a site for land based aircraft
to use. A Rutland fruit farmer,
Axel Autin, allowed
use of some of his land for a 4000 foot runway.
Over the next few years, several aircraft dropped in
to and flew out of Rutland field, including a de
Havilland Gypsy Moth owned by Radium Hot Springs
Flying Service, offering flying training. Efforts
were made to institute passenger service in the
Okanagan corridor but these failed due to lack of
support.
|
 |
 |
A
smaller field located on property owned by Dr. Boyce in
what is now a residential area south of Kelowna General
Hospital was also used for a time by Kelowna resident
Barney Jones-Evans, a WWI Royal Flying Corps pilot who
owned a Gypsy Moth.
Back to top of
page
Return to
map
|
The main
field at Rutland field saw some improvements during
World War II and was occasionally used by military
aircraft. However, by the end of the war it was
realized that Rutland field was too small to benefit
from further development and in 1945 the City secured a
320 acre property at Dickson�s Ranch in Ellison and
constructed a 1500 foot runway. A small terminal
building (shown here) was built in 1947 and the turf
runway extended to 3000 feet the following year.
|
 |
 |
While the land based field
was being developed, L&M Air Service Ltd. began
scheduled service in September 1949 using a Beech 18 on
floats, flying from a temporary float at Riverside
Park. The first flight was greeted by the mayor and
local officials.
|
The Ellison field was
licensed by the City of Kelowna in 1948 and officially
opened on August 1, 1949 with an air show. As demand
grew, the Department of Transport helped gravel the
airstrip and pave the taxiways and apron. Commercial
air service was instated to the field by Canadian
Pacific in July 1958. By July 1960 the airfield had a
5350 foot paved runway. Further growth saw the addition
of a new terminal building in 1968 and a control tower
in 1971.
Back to top of
page
Return to
map |
 |
 |
Major investments in the
1980s and 90s saw more than $10 million invested in
further upgrades to the terminal building, runway and
airline operating facilities, with several new
businesses locating at the airport. In 1998 the City of
Kelowna approved a further $20 million expansion program
to improve both airside and groundside facilities.
As of June 2022, YLW lists
services by nine commercial airlines to a variety of
destinations in Canada and internationally. The airport
continues to be owned and operated by the City of
Kelowna.
Back to top of
page
Return to
map |
|
Note: photos courtesy Chris Weicht -
Final aerial view courtesy Google Maps
 �
British Columbia Aviation Museum Updated:
2023-01-16
|
|
