The Canadian College of Performing Arts is situated in Victoria, BC, on the traditional territories of the Lekwungen speaking peoples, now known as the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations.
The College occupies 20,000 square feet of studio and performance space in one of the most desirable areas of the city, two blocks from village markets, pubs, cafes, banks and shops. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the West Coast of British Columbia, you’re always steps away from ocean, forest, and mountain views. The temperate climate and active arts community give students access to year-round active living, arts festivals and performances.
Nearby BC Transit routes include the 2 (James Bay/South Oak Bay), 3 (James Bay/Royal Jubilee), 5 (James Bay/Willows), 7 (UVIC/Downtown), 8 (Interurban/Tillicum Centre/Oak Bay), 10 (James Bay/Royal Jubilee), 11 (Tillicum Centre/UVIC), 15 (Esquimalt/UVIC). If you are 13 to 18 years of age and reside in the City of Victoria, you can now apply online for your free annual BC Transit Youth U-PASS* https://upass.victoria.ca/. There are also Taxi and Uber services available nearby.
The school is located in Oak Bay. Students are able to find rental apartments/housing close to the school in the adjoining neighbourhoods (Oak Bay, Foul Bay, and Fernwood). The College and fellow students are happy to help you in your search. The city allows for easy transportation by foot, bike, or bus. The rental market is highly competitive, so while we suggest beginning your apartment hunt as soon as possible. Here are some direct links for housing options:
To stay informed on your rights as a tenant, read through the BC Tenant Rights.
Student Council
The Student Council acts as a liaison between the student body, staff and faculty of the college. Student representatives are elected from Year I, Year II, and the Studio Ensemble. The Council’s primary focus is to plan social and fundraising events that benefit the student body, such as cabarets, dances, hot chocolate days, and the annual Valentines Day card delivery. The Council meets regularly with an administration representative to discuss student issues or proposed events.
Social Events
The College provides opportunities to socialize and meet staff, faculty, and fellow students with social events during Orientation Week, such as the full-school welcome dinner and the student & faculty meet-and-greet lunch. Student Council and/or the College also organize student cabarets and dances throughout the year. The College frequently partners with its neighbor, the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, to provide community dinners.
Getting Involved
Students have the opportunity to get a first-hand view of the College’s operations by participating in the Canadian Heritage Arts Society’s Annual General Meeting, representing the student body on the Student / Staff / Faculty Liaison Committee, or serving on the Joint Health & Safety Committee.
Campus Employment
Limited positions are available for students to earn money through a campus employment program during the year, assisting the staff in several administrative and production departments. This provides students with some financial assistance and a better appreciation and understanding of the business of the arts.
A safe space for you to be whatever you want with no judgement or fear… I am lucky to be surrounded by such loving people from all over the country and the world.
Student Health and Wellness
Taking care of health and wellbeing is vital to ensure that students are able to make the most of their training and thrive in our College environment. We want to reduce any barriers or stigmas around seeking support and will strive to ensure that confidentiality is respected.
Students are welcome to bring a peer counselor, friend or representative to any meeting with faculty, directors, or administration.
For full contact details on the below resources, please see the “Key Contacts” booklet, or speak to the Director of Education for additional guidance.
Student Learning Assistance/Communication Channels
Email is the best way to reach a specfic faculty or staff member. For course related questions: Please contact your course instructor. All faculty make themselves available when possible for student consultation or tutoring. Please refer to the course outline for each teacher’s process. Students are encouraged to email a request for tutorial to their course instructor. Faculty emails are listed in the course Syllabi. Allow 48 hours as an acceptable length of time to expect a reply.
For general help and guidance: Please reach out to the Student Support Coordinator.
For program related questions/help: (or in the absence of the Student Support Coordinator), please speak with the Director of Education.
Maple Healthcare
The College offers access to Maple (www.getmaple.ca), a medical service designed for urgent and long-term wellness needs. They offer 24/7 access to virtual medical and mental health care. This saves you waiting time and travel time for accessing care when needed. Simply register via the link emailed to you in September.
Mental Health Resources
• Cascadia Counselling will see College students at a student fee rate (cascadiaconsultation.com/counselling.html, 250 590 7050, info@cascadiacounsultation.com)
• Here2Talk, a government provided 24/7 phone counselling service available to postsecondary students in British Columbia (https://here2talk.ca/main, 1 877 857 3397)
• Vancouver Island Crisis Line: 1 888 494 3888
• Local Physiotherapist and extended health clinics
Students at the College have access to a campus counsellor, providing confidential in-house counselling virtually and in-person at the College.
If you need guidance, please speak to the Director of Education or Student Support Coordinator.
Medical Insurance and Health Care
Students are responsible for their own medical care on campus, tours, outings, at all College events, and off campus. There are medical clinics and the Royal Jubilee Hospital a few blocks from the campus. Addresses and phone numbers are listed in the ‘Key Contacts Booklet’. If you are not currently covered by another provincial health plan or covered through your parents’ private health insurance it is strongly advised that you sign up for
the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) as soon as you arrive as the process takes 3 months to complete. This will grant you access to free emergency care in hospitals and clinics while you live in BC.
• MSP Application form: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/health/forms/101fil.pdf
• Further information for MSP for international students: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/accessing-health-care/health-feeinternational-students
The College’s Student Health Benefit Plan covers up to $160.00 per academic year toward health services. Students are strongly advised to have additional health coverage. Health services or practitioners must be approved by the college administration office. Submit receipts to finance@ccpacanada.com or the finance office (Admin 5) for reimbursement.
Accidents and Injuries
Report any accidents or injuries immediately so that College staff and faculty can support you. If a student is unable to participate in class due to injury, they are expected to audit the class and keep up with assignments. Some medical or health related injuries/illnesses may require a doctor’s letter stating the student can safely and responsibly participate in the rigours of program. If a physical injury causes an inability to participate in dance class for more than two (2) sessions, then they are advised to see a doctor or appropriate medical professional (e.g. physiotherapist, chiropractor, etc.) for diagnosis and treatment. A letter will be required outlining the following, and must be submitted along with the Student Injury Recovery Form (see Student Google Drive) by email to the Registrar, Director of Education, and ALL dance teachers you study with.
• The Injury/Complaint
• Date of Injury
• Medical Professional
• Prescribed Exercises
• Recovery Plan
• Anticipated Recovery Time per Medical Professional
• Date for Re-evaluation by Medical Professional
If a student must miss more than three (3) consecutive classes/series of classes due to illness or injury, they must discuss with their teachers an alternate method of study or assignments and requirements for completion of the course and must follow the Attendance Policy. Any recommendations must be approved by the Director of Education and must be documented in writing and kept in the student’s file. A student who has an injury which deters them from completing any course will enter discussion with faculty and the Director of Education about an alternate form of study or the possibility of deferral or withdrawal
Addiction and Overdose Supports
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/overdose/naloxone-kit
How naloxone works
Naloxone is a medication that can quickly reverse the effects of an overdose from opioids such as heroin, morphine, fentanyl, carfentanil, and codeine. Opioids are most often prescribed for pain relief. However, in recent years, highly-toxic synthetic opioids are being made in illegal labs and sold on the streets, often mixed with other drugs.
Administer naloxone
Naloxone is available without a prescription and often given as an injection into an arm, buttocks, or muscle. Naloxone will only work on opioid-related overdoses, though it will not cause harm if a person hasn’t taken opioids. Naloxone should be given to an unresponsive person.
Naloxone is safely stored on campus at the College. It is stored with the first-aid kits in the staff and student kitchens.
Student Food Bank
The food bank program supports our students with donated food items to supplement healthy eating during the long days of this intense training program. All services are confidential and all students are welcome to use this service throughout the school year. Cash donations towards the student food bank can be made year round through Canada Helps.
Student Discounts
The College has partnered with several Oak Bay businesses to provide discounts to College students who display their student I.D. at point of purchase. Click here to see the list of discounts for the 2019-20 year.
Spend the Day
High school students are invited to get a glimpse of life at the College, with an opportunity to observe and participate in college-level dance, voice and acting classes, and talk to current students, faculty, and the college directors. If you are interested in attending a future Spend the Day, please sign up for our newsletter below, or contact us at registrar@ccpacanada.com.
Childcare
There is no childcare available at the College.
Nearby Banks
BMO Bank of Montreal
CIBC
RBC Royal Bank
Island Savings
Coast Capital
TD Bank
Scotiabank