The College of the Rockies Business Case seeks to expand and consolidate the Trades Training Facilities, programs that are currently located in disparate locations throughout Cranbrook, together at the Main Campus.
The programme includes provisions for classrooms, labs, and open, flexible shop space, organized along a central circulation spine with a clear strategy for future expansion. These areas will serve several faculties including Construction and Industrial Electrician, Industrial Maintenance Mechanic (Millwright), Heavy Duty Equipment Technicians, and Sustainable Energy Technology Training.
While still in early schematic design phase, it is anticipated that the building will employ a high level of passive and active sustainable principles with a target of LEED® Gold Certification.
The building form is simple and functional. It evokes a Fire Watch Tower, an historic and culturally significant form in the region, adopted to become a beacon within the larger community. Construction was completed in 2018.