This Cache Won

 "Best Cache Series"

in the Thompson-Okanagan Region

During the 2010 BCGA Cache Blitz

Welcome to the Central Okanagan. This cache is part of a series of caches which take you around Kelowna, West Kelowna, and Peachland. When you find this cache you will find a laminated card with one number of the ten digit coordinate to the final cache location. (Central OK Challenge) You need to save each number you get from each cache you visit in the series and be sure to remember where each number fits into the coordinate.

Airport History (Copied from the City of Kelowna's Website)

        The Kelowna International Airport’s official history took off in 1946, when Kelowna residents voted 466 to 460 in favour of purchasing the 320-acre Dickson Ranch in Ellison for $20,000. In 1947, the grand opening of ‘Ellison Field’ showcased a small terminal building, a 3,000-foot-long grass airstrip, and a variety of small aircraft. During the ‘50s, increasing demand for better service prompted the federal Department of Transport to help gravel the airstrip and pave the parking lot and aircraft parking apron.

        In 1958, Canadian Pacific Airlines introduced daily, scheduled DC-3 service to Vancouver, which enabled the City to initiate negotiations with the federal government for a longer, paved airstrip. After buying the land needed for expansion, in 1960 the City extended and paved the runway to 5,350 feet and expanded the taxiway and apron.

        Increasing aircraft and passenger movements during the early ‘60s prompted local leaders to seek community support and funding for construction of a new Air Terminal Building at the south end of the runway. The original air traffic control tower was built on the flat deck of a truck. The early ‘70s marked the introduction of an air traffic control tower and an on-site weather office.

        In 1975, a Track Guidance Localizer was installed to reduce poor weather operating limits and improve flight reliability. During the ‘80s and early ‘90s, more than $10 million was invested in upgrading the terminal building, runway, and airlines operating facilities. Increasing passenger and cargo volumes spawned growth in the airport’s commercial sector. New businesses located on airport property and helped establish Kelowna as a serious contender in the aviation industry.

        By 1997, annual passenger volumes had risen to more than 800,000, making it one of the fastest-growing airports in North America. To prepare for anticipated volumes of one million by 2011, the City of Kelowna embarked on a $20-million expansion program in 1998. The terminal building was doubled in size to 76,000 square feet, parking was increased to more than 1,200 paved stalls, and airside facilities were expanded to accommodate additional aircraft. These upgrades tripled the number the passengers the airport can service from 150 to 450 per hour. The project was funded by a $5 Airport Improvement Fee charged departing passengers.

The Cache

        An easy find at the end of the runway. Watching the planes taking off and landing is always a fun past time. There is no parking on the airport side of the road but there is parking all the way along the other side. It's a medium sized lock & lock painted green to blend in with it's surroundings. Keep an eye out for mugglers as lots of people like to come watch the planes. Happy Hunting!!

If you are a Geocacher in the province of British Columbia, please join the British Columbia Geocaching Association. The BCGA is your portal to caching in and around BC. Visit bcgeocaching.com for details!