OK Connector comes to life

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Posted: November 21, 2013

OK Connector comes to life

Cranbrook went to Kelowna and Kelowna came to Cranbrook earlier this week.

A contingent of city officials from Cranbrook, including Mayor Wayne Stetski flew to Kelowna Nov. 18 aboard the inaugural Pacific Coastal flight out of the Key City to the Okanagan and were feted by Kelowna Mayor Walter Gray.

The OK Connector is already connecting. Cranbrook and District Chamber of Commerce manager Karin Penner and Kelowna International Airport marketing and media relations director Jenelle Hynes, a former Sam Steele Sweetheart/Princess, were reunited at Tuesday evening's event. — The OK Connector is already connecting. Cranbrook and District Chamber of Commerce manager Karin Penner and Kelowna International Airport marketing and media relations director Jenelle Hynes, a former Sam Steele Sweetheart/Princess, were reunited at Tuesday evening’s event.

The next day, Mayor Gray and a contingent of city, airline, airport and tourism officials came to Cranbrook and the “OK Connector” was officially celebrated at the St. Eugene Resort and Casino’s Pavilion. Several dozen community and business leaders attended the Tuesday evening event.

Pacific Coastal VP Commercial Services Spencer Smith, son of airline founder and CEO Daryl Smith, hailed the addition of the OK Connector as one that will benefit residents in the Okanagan and East Kootenay.

Canadian Cancer Society Southern Interior Region coordinator of Support Programs Lynnette Wray, left, agrees that the new Cranbrook-Kelowna flight will benefit cancer patients and families in the region. Right is Pacific Coastal's Spencer Smith. — Canadian Cancer Society Southern Interior Region coordinator of Support Programs Lynnette Wray, left, agrees that the new Cranbrook-Kelowna flight will benefit cancer patients and families in the region. Right is Pacific Coastal’s Spencer Smith.

Mayor Gray noted the connection will offer a host of opportunities for tourism for both regions and, while pointing out Kelowna International Airport is the 10^th busiest in Canada, the Pacific Coastal connection can add options for East Kootenay fliers seeking sun and fun.

Mayor Stetski pointed out another bonus for regional flyers – medical services in Kelowna that so many regional residents must access.

The flight from Cranbrook to Kelowna took 55 minutes and the return trip, aided by a strong tailwind, took 35 minutes.

“That’s a lot better than entire day’s drive (one way),” Stetski said, noting the fare is much better than costs incurred driving.

Pictured above: Mayor Walter Gray, left, Spencer Smith and Mayor Wayne Stetski.

Pacific Coastal: http://www.pacific-coastal.com/index.php .

Ian Cobb/e-KNOW