Kelowna’s manufacturing scene picked up fresh momentum on January 19, 2026, with a major federal investment aimed squarely at growth and innovation.
PacifiCan, the federal agency focused on economic development in British Columbia, is backing a local success story that’s quietly making waves far beyond the Okanagan.
$2.5 Million Investment Heads to MAKR Group
The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and the minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada, announced a $2.5 million repayable investment for Kelowna-based MAKR Group.
The company designs and builds steel components, playground structures, and advanced water management systems used in parks and splash pads around the globe.
From neighbourhood play spaces to large-scale water attractions, MAKR’s products are already part of communities worldwide — and this funding is designed to help them scale even further.
Bringing Smart Technology Onto the Factory Floor
At the heart of the investment is a push toward smarter manufacturing.
MAKR plans to roll out an Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) system across its operations, linking manufacturing equipment to the internet through advanced sensors.
This setup allows machines to “talk” in real time, flagging slowdowns, defects, or inefficiencies as they happen.
The result is faster problem-solving, better-quality products, and more efficient use of materials, labour, and time — savings that add up quickly in a competitive manufacturing environment.
Riding the Global Splash Pad Boom
Timing matters, and MAKR’s upgrade comes as demand for spray parks and splash pads continues to surge.
Industry projections show the number of these water features worldwide climbing by 22 per cent by 2028, with construction investment jumping from $3.7 billion to an estimated $5 billion.
With this project, MAKR’s Waterplay division and its Wekid manufacturing plant are positioned to capture a larger share of that growth.
Increased production capacity and efficiency are expected to drive higher sales, create new jobs, and strengthen the company’s standing in a rapidly expanding global market.
How the Funding Fits Into PacifiCan’s Mandate
The investment is delivered through PacifiCan’s Business Scale-up and Productivity program, which focuses on helping high-growth B.C. companies produce more, sell more, and compete more effectively — both at home and abroad.
By supporting projects like MAKR’s, the program aims to turn innovation into long-term economic gains, ensuring that British Columbia businesses remain competitive while building prosperity across the province and the country.
What’s Next?
With funding secured and technology upgrades on the horizon, MAKR is preparing to modernize its operations and lean into global demand.
For Kelowna, it’s another sign that advanced manufacturing and smart infrastructure can thrive outside major urban centres — and for British Columbia, it’s a reminder that innovation-driven growth starts with investing in local talent and ambition.
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