Industrial businesses pulling back the curtain
Curious and community-minded Kelowna residents can get an unusual and behind-the-scenes tour of downtown industrial operations today.
Some manufacturing businesses that are not normally open to the public are welcoming those who’d like to see how they do what they do during the North End Community Day tour.
Kids can make hand prints in freshly-poured cement at Silver Springs Concrete Service. There’s an opportunity to “crush stuff’ at FPS Fluid Power Solutions Inc.
You can test out new products at Waterplay, a company that, as its name suggests, makes play equipment for water parks (treaded footwear only; no flipflops).
And kids can get their initials cut with a laser at Crown West Steel Fabricators.
Shops with wrecked cars, excavators, and industrial trucks are also part of the tour.
“Most of these businesses are not open to the public at any other time,” says event organizer Bernie Ryan, a mechanic.
The event was conceived as a fundraiser for Joe-Anna’s House, building next to Kelowna General Hospital where out-of-town residents can stay while their loved one is getting treatment at KGH.
Kelowna’s north end, between Knox Mountain and downtown, has long been an overwhelmingly industrial area.
But that’s changed in recent years with significant new residential and commercial development in and around Clement Avenue.
“North End Community Day is all about kids and trades, intrigue and fun, and of course giving JoeAnna’s House some help,” Ryan says.
Those wanting to participate are asked to buy a ‘passport’ that gets them admission to a variety of downtown industries and businesses. A minimum donation of $20 is requested. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Passports are available this morning at Fluid Power Solutions,
824 Crowley Ave, or send an email to northendcommunityday@gmail.com
Passports can also be bought online at kghfoundation.com under the ‘events’ tab.