Western Canada's largest music school – also Vancouver Island’s largest performing arts venue – on Pandora Avenue is applauding visible site improvements and upgrades thanks to funding from the City of Victoria.
The Victoria Conservatory of Music is getting new gates and landscaping, supported by the city's Major Events and Initiatives Grant, designed to honour the building's heritage while improving safety and accessibility.
The Intrepid Theatre recently announced it will end the shared-use lease in 2026 and close the Metro Studio, which is located in the conservatory’s south wing.
"As the Conservatory prepares to take a larger role in the space next year, we will ensure it remains a place full of artistic activity,” said Nathan Medd, CEO of the conservatory, in a news release. “For 20 years, the alliance between our organizations has strengthened local artistic creation and increased national tours to the CRD, while also supporting arts training through the Conservatory’s post-secondary music department.”
When the Metro Studio closes, the conservatory will undertake technical upgrades, targeting a reopening in late summer 2026. The venue will reopen under a new name and offer more live music in addition to theatre and dance.
Neighbourhood revitalization is also underway with the Townline towers set to complete, and The Neighbour, a new rental property with co-living spaces for students and young professionals, alongside two other local projects – are all expected to contribute to "renewed vibrancy" on the 900-block of Pandora Avenue.
