The oldest of the present buildings was constructed in 1901, although the history of the school extends over 130 years! The 1901 Wing was designated a Heritage Building by the Council of Cobourg in 1985 in recognition of its unique position in the history of this community.

Over the years, the school has used a number of school crests, each associated with a different phase of its growth.

In the early years of Cobourg Collegiate, there was a close affiliation between our school and Victoria College (later to become part of the University of Toronto). Professors of the college often taught students of the Collegiate Institute. In the centre of the pin (left) is the familiar logo of the school - the torch and the initials, “C.C.I.”. The perimeter bears the latin motto of Victoria College, “Abeunt Studias In Mores”, which when translated reads, “Education Develops Character”.

The second crest was used prior to 1963 as the emblem for the Cobourg Collegiate Institute. It is simple in design picturing a hand-held lantern and accompanied by the school’s motto, “Dare Lucem”.

With the construction of a second school in Cobourg in 1960, C.D.C.I. West decided to create a new crest which was introduced in 1973. It was designed by G. Shaw and S. Sprague, both teachers of the school. The flame of the torch represents the long association of the school with academic excellence while the supporting standards - the Vikings - represent the school mascot.

To commemorate the 100^th anniversary of the West in 2001, Robert Ito, a graduate of the school (1981) designed the fourth crest.