2007 Kettle Valley Project

SPONSORS

Born of the need to expand trades training in the Okanagan, and the opportunity to involve community partners to help make that happen, Okanagan College, The Village of Kettle Valley, and Vintage Design Ltd. have partnered to establish the third Home for Learning in Kelowna.

Supported by the Canadian Home Builders' Association and the National New Home Warranty Program, this innovative project has students in Okanagan College 's Residential Construction Program participating in the actual construction of a home at 5476 South Perimeter Way in the Village of Kettle Valley subdivision of Kelowna, British Columbia.

The students began receiving training on tools and safety in the classroom in January 2007 and moved to the jobsite in April. They have the opportunity to work with an award-winning contractor – Vintage Design Ltd. - and many sub-trades from excavation to completion. Students are not only receiving valuable hands-on training, but also an Okanagan College certificate in Residential Construction and Level One technical credit towards their carpentry apprenticeship.

Community and industry involvement in the project has been overwhelming. More than 20 companies and organizations have jumped on board as sponsors with many others expressing interest as the project gets underway.

The project is expected to be complete by October 2007 with the net sales proceeds from the sale of the home going toward scholarships bursaries, and new equipment to benefit future trades students at Okanagan College. 

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Partners

Okanagan College is a public comprehensive community college in the Southern Interior of British Columbia. It offers a variety of learning opportunities for every stage of life and educational experience at four campuses in Salmon Arm, Vernon, Kelowna, and Penticton and education centres in Oliver, Summerland, Armstrong and Revelstoke.

The College offers a diverse array of world-class academic, developmental, trades, technology and vocational programs. With bachelor's degrees in Business Administration and Computer Information Systems and various diplomas, and certificates in everything from aviation and carpentry to practical nursing and early childhood education to first- and second-year university courses, the College meets the region's education and employment needs.

It serves a region the size of Prince Edward Island by delivering quality education and training programs that contribute to the social, cultural and economic development of the region and the province. Through strategic partnerships such as a Home for Learning, the College is helping to create a skilled pool of graduates who are building a strong and prosperous British Columbia .

The Village of Kettle Valley is designed as a Neotraditional or New Urban community modeled on the principles of a traditional small town. The community master plan creates an experience of place often missing in today's conventional suburban communities as it provides for the diversity of activities involved in daily living through a series of integrated, mixed-use neighbourhoods. The resulting pedestrian-friendly village radiates from an active social heart through a network of connected streets, laneways, open spaces and parks.
Construction at the Village of Kettle Valley follows strict development guidelines to ensure buildings are complementary in architectural character that is both sensitive to the appearance of the overall community and the surrounding landscape. This architectural style palette is defined by the application of traditional North American residential styles reminiscent of the streetscapes of the early 1900's, such as Colonial, Victorian and Craftsman.

The neo-traditional design of the community employs "smart growth" concepts that make appropriate use of the developable land so that its unique landscape features, ecology and habitat are preserved. The village design relies heavily on natural and landscaped green spaces that encourage residents to walk, socialize and engage in outdoor activity and community events.

In 2004, the National Home Builders Association honored Kettle Valley with the coveted SAM award for "Best Community Development" in Canada. Established in 1996, the Village will encompass 270 acres of land occupied by 900 single-family homes, 80 townhomes and a potential 25,000 ft of commercial space when complete.

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Vintage Design, Ltd. President, Jim Lamb has been a leader in the construction industry since 1976.  With over 1000 homes, churches, shopping centres and apartment buildings to his name, Jim brings a wealth of talent and experience to any project he takes on. 

Vintage Design Ltd. have been a builder with the Village of Kettle Valley since the village was first established.  As a result of this, Jim indicates that “they have an intimate knowledge of the village design plan.  When new residents come to us, they feel certain their new home will work to meet their needs within the established guidelines for a flawless, stress-free construction process.”

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Sponsors