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Kootenaybiz // Business Profiles

College of the Rockies

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The new south entrance at the main campus of College of the Rockies incorporates natural light and organic elements in its design. — Photo by Ron Winick, Wales McLelland Construction Ltd.

Making a grand entrance

College of the Rockies is creating a welcoming space at the entrance to its main campus

On April 8, 2009, Jim Abbott, MP for British Columbia's Kootenay-Columbia region, and B.C. East Kootenay MLA Bill Bennett announced a $12.7-million Knowledge Infrastructure Program project to expand and upgrade Kootenay Centre, the main building at the main campus of College of the Rockies (COTR) in Cranbrook, British Columbia. Now, in fall of 2010, the college is putting the finishing touches on the expansion.


This investment is part of the federal government’s two-year, $2-billion plan to repair and expand research and educational facilities at Canadian post-secondary institutions.


The Knowledge Infrastructure Program is helping to provide economic stimulus and promote employment by creating jobs for engineers, architects, tradespeople and technicians. In B.C., the federal government is providing up to 50 per cent of the cost of selected projects on a cost-share basis with the Province.


The expansion at COTR will significantly improve student and visitor access to essential services by providing a clearly defined main entrance that will house a new reception area, student services and admissions/registration to improve the delivery of services for students and the public.


It will also provide additional classroom space and enable the college to move the University of Victoria Bachelor of Education students and employees out of their portable building and into Kootenay Centre.


The expansion is having a significant impact on the local community, creating over 80 direct jobs and helping the college build upon its role as an economic pillar in the region. The extensive use of wood responds to the community context, local resources and the close cultural ties between the college and the Ktunaxa Nation.

Contact Information

College of the Rockies 2700 College Way Cranbrook, B.C. Phone: 250-489-2751 Toll-free: 1-877-489-2687 Visit Website

About Us

Title (CEO/manager etc) :: President and CEO: Dr. Nick Rubidge Location :: Cranbrook, B.C. First year in business :: 1975 Details ::
  • 35 years of making the grade: The College of the Rockies has had a mandate of providing high-quality post-secondary education in the East Kootenay region since its inception—and it has delivered.
  • 1975—East Kootenay Community College is established, offering vocational, technical and academic courses. Classes begin in October that year with 351 students at the main campus in Cranbrook, 64 in Kimberley, 52 in Fernie, 39 in Golden and 37 in Invermere.
  • 1978—Construction begins on the new main campus in Cranbrook. During the process, the college operates out of 17 different locations throughout the city.
  • 1982—The new campus is officially opened.
  • 1985—The track and field grounds—a legacy of the BC Summer Games—are opened at the Cranbrook campus.
  • 1992—A $4.1-million expansion that includes a health wing, professional training kitchen, cafeteria and dining room is completed.
  • 1993—Associate degrees in arts and sciences are offered for the first time.
  • 1994—Due to an increase in trades enrolment, a new mechanics shop is added.
  • 1995—Purcell House student residences are completed.
  • 1995—The East Kootenay Community College officially changes its name to College of the Rockies (COTR).
  • 1997—COTR offers its first online course, Applied Research Methods.
  • 1997—The Avalanche men’s and women’s volleyball teams are introduced as the latest members of the B.C. College’s Athletics Association.
  • 2002—A new childcare facility, Kids on Campus, is completed.
  • 2004—Wireless technology is introduced at the Cranbrook campus for students with laptops.
  • 2007—The Cranbrook campus gets a $16.2-million expansion that includes the new academic wing—Summit Hall—and trades building—Pinnacle Hall. The college also acquires the former Trans-Canada gas facility that becomes the Gold Creek Trades and Technology Centre.
  • 2009—MP Jim Abbott and MLA for East Kootenay, Bill Bennett, announce a $12.7-million Knowledge Infrastructure Program to upgrade and expand the main building of the Cranbrook campus.
  • 2010—COTR announces its first degree program, a bachelor of business administration in sustainable business practices, a degree unique to COTR.
  • October 29, 2010—The new entranceway and classrooms are opened.