Professional growth
Get better at the trade and the business.
Training, mentorship and industry development for painters at every level, from first-year apprentice to seasoned owner.
Skool online community launching soonEst. 2026 · Okanagan, BC
Elevate the trade. Together.
A professional association for painting contractors who take pride in their craft, their business and their community. One region, one standard, from Vernon to Penticton.
Our OkanaganNorth → South
- Enderby
- Vernon
- Lake Country
- Kelowna
- West Kelowna
- Peachland
- Summerland
- Penticton
- Osoyoos
Quarterly Community Night · Edition No. 1
One evening. Every painter in the Okanagan.
A night to bring painters from across the Okanagan together in one room. Details are coming soon. RSVP and we'll let you know first.
OPA Community Night
RSVP to save your spot
- When
- TBD
- Where
- TBD
- Who
- TBD
- Cost
- TBD
RSVP now
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What OPA is
A standards-based association, built by painters for painters.
OPA is a not-for-profit association led by current and former painting business owners. We exist to raise the bar for craftsmanship, business practice and client service across the Okanagan, and to give back while we do it.
Community
A network that holds itself to a higher standard.
Quarterly community events to build connections, grow businesses and grow as people. Between events, the conversation happens in our Facebook group.
Join the Facebook groupIan's House
Skilled labour, given freely.
Every quarter, member painters donate their time and sponsors donate materials to paint a home or community space for people who need it most.
Why join
What you get as a member.
OPA is new, so here's exactly where things stand. Some benefits are running today and some are being built with our founding members.
Quarterly Community Nights
Four evenings a year to meet painters from Vernon to Penticton, swap advice and build real working relationships.
A network you can call
Overbooked, short a sprayer, or stuck on a tricky job? Members refer work to each other and help each other out.
Ian's House projects
Opt-in charity projects every season. Give back with skills you already have, alongside other painters.
Founding Member status
Members who join in our first year are recognized as Founding Members, permanently.
OPA Member badge
A mark for your website, trucks and quotes that shows homeowners you've committed to a professional standard.
Training and supplier perks
An online learning community on Skool, plus group pricing we're working out with local suppliers.
Membership cost
Free
There are no membership fees. Joining is free, and expressing interest commits you to nothing.
Who's behind OPA
Who's behind OPA
Joas Meier
Founder · Okanagan Painters Association
I've spent about 15 years in the trades and more than 12 running my own painting business here in the Okanagan. Over that time I've seen how much good painters can do for each other, and how often we work alone and compete on price instead.
Ian was a loved figure in our community and a personal mentor to me. He spoke small encouragements into me, a word of belief here and a push there, and those small moments rippled out into my life in ways far bigger than he could have seen. A couple of years after Ian passed, I started OPA, and Ian's House carries his name in his honour. The idea is the same: one small painting project can ripple through a family and a whole community. It's also what this association is built on: show up for each other, hold the trade to a higher standard and give back to the community that keeps us working.
- 15 years in the trades
- 12+ years in business
- Okanagan-based
Founding board: OPA is governed by a board of current and former painting business owners. Board members will be introduced here soon.
Membership
Join the movement.
Membership is open to painting contractors and painting business owners operating in the Okanagan who share OPA's values.
Fill out the interest form
A few minutes: your business, contact details and years in operation.
We get in touch
A board member reaches out to say hello and answer your questions.
Welcome aboard
You're invited to member meetings, Ian's House projects and everything OPA builds next.
Not ready to join yet? Follow along in our Facebook group.
A charity program of OPA
Ian's House
Free painting, labour and materials for families and community spaces in need, anywhere in the Okanagan. One project every season.
Named after a mentor whose one act of kindness changed a life forever. He didn't do something grand. He just showed up when it mattered most. Inspired by Ian, founded by the Okanagan Painters Association
Nominate
Tell us about someone in the community who needs a hand.
Review
A selection committee reviews every nomination and picks the best fit each quarter.
Show up
OPA painters give their time and skills. Sponsors give the materials. It's free.
Ripple
One life is touched, and one kind act moves through a whole community.
Q1Winter of Giving
Q2Spring of Giving
Q3Summer of Giving
Q4Fall of Giving
Know someone who needs a hand?
Anyone can nominate a neighbour, family or community space. Send us their story in a short email.
okanaganpa@gmail.com
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is OPA a union?
No. OPA is an independent not-for-profit professional association. It doesn't negotiate wages, set prices or get involved in how you run your business. It exists to connect painters, raise standards and give back to the community.
Who can become a member?
Painting contractors and painting business owners operating in the Okanagan who share OPA's values and agree to its code of conduct.
Can my employees or apprentices come to events?
Yes. Membership is for business owners, but crew members, apprentices and painter friends are welcome at Community Nights.
What does it cost?
Nothing. OPA membership is free.
How much time does it take?
As much as you want to give. Most members come to the quarterly Community Nights and confirm their details once a year. Ian's House projects are opt-in.
Do I have to volunteer for Ian's House?
No. We ask that members are open to it, but every project is self-selected. Join one when it fits your schedule.
Is OPA run by a paint company?
No. OPA is independent. We partner with local suppliers who share our values, but every partnership is approved by the board and none can compromise OPA's independence.
How do I nominate someone for Ian's House?
Email their story to okanaganpa@gmail.com. Anyone can nominate a family or community space in the Okanagan.