Welcome Guide

Dawson Creek
Campus
Northern Lights College

2022- 2023
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Table of Contents
Pre-arrival Checklist ........................................................................................................................................... 3
Welcome to Northern Lights College – Dawson Creek Campus! ...................................................................... 4
Our main campuses............................................................................................................................................. 4
Dawson Creek Campus ................................................................................................................................... 5
Permits and Visas ............................................................................................................................................... 5
Your Study Permit and Temporary Resident Visa ........................................................................................... 5
When to Apply ............................................................................................................................................. 5
Required Documents ................................................................................................................................... 6
Opening a GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate) ................................................................................. 6
Applying for your Study Permit ................................................................................................................... 6
Travel Information .............................................................................................................................................. 6
Fort St John Regional Airport ......................................................................................................................... 7
Dawson Creek Airport..................................................................................................................................... 7
Taxis ............................................................................................................................................................ 7
Bus Service (No airport pickup) .................................................................................................................. 7
Student Housing.................................................................................................................................................. 7
Student Housing Fees ...................................................................................................................................... 9
Long-Term Stay ......................................................................................................................................... 10
Fees and Payment ..................................................................................................................................... 10
Off-campus Private Accommodation ............................................................................................................... 11
Rental Properties ........................................................................................................................................... 12
Action Property ......................................................................................................................................... 12
Upper Montney.......................................................................................................................................... 12
Northview Apartments .............................................................................................................................. 12
Simon Capital – Tremblay Apartments ..................................................................................................... 12
Health Insurance ............................................................................................................................................... 12
Private Health Insurance .............................................................................................................................. 12
BC Medical Services Plan ............................................................................................................................. 12
Services for Students ........................................................................................................................................ 13
International Student Orientation (ISO) ....................................................................................................... 13
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International Education Department ............................................................................................................ 13

Student Access Services ................................................................................................................................. 13
Learning Support Services ............................................................................................................................ 13
Student Life .................................................................................................................................................... 13
NLC Students’ Association ............................................................................................................................ 13
Campus Security ............................................................................................................................................ 14
Your new community .................................................................................................................................... 14
Other Community Service Providers ............................................................................................................ 15
Public Schools ............................................................................................................................................... 15
School District 59 ...................................................................................................................................... 15
Private Schools .............................................................................................................................................. 16
Mountain Christian School (Christian School) ............................................................................................. 16
Employment ...................................................................................................................................................... 16
WorkBC Centre Dawson Creek ..................................................................................................................... 16
Day Care ........................................................................................................................................................... 16
Child Care Resource & Referral ................................................................................................................... 16
Community Resources ...................................................................................................................................... 16
Dawson Creek Literacy Society .................................................................................................................... 16
Dawson Creek Catholic Social Services/Job Search .................................................................................... 17
The O’Bair Economic Society ....................................................................................................................... 17
Networks Ministries ....................................................................................................................................... 17
The Salvation Army ....................................................................................................................................... 17
Public Transportation within and around your community .............................................................................. 17
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Pre-arrival Checklist
Accept your offer to Northern Lights College
(NLC)
Pay your deposit
NLC International Receive your Letter of Acceptance from NLC
Student Once you have received your Letter of Acceptance,
Pre-arrival apply for your valid study permit to attend NLC

checklist If required, apply for student housing*

Complete your free online Pre-Arrival Orientation
course
Submit your Intent to Register (ITR) form
Make your travel plans; plan to arrive before the
mandatory International Student Orientation
Register for your International Student Orientation
by emailing students@international.nlc.bc.ca
Follow NLC’s Social Media accounts to stay
informed
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=northern
%20lights%20college
Arrive in Canada
While at the airport check the accuracy of your
study permit and other permits for your
partner/dependents (names and permits provided)
Register for free student success workshops to help
you succeed at NLC

*Please submit your Intent to Register forms, travel plans, and student
housing application to students@international.nlc.bc.ca as well as to
your country representative as per the list below:

Country Email
India india@nlc.bc.ca
Philippines NLC-Philippines@nlc.bc.ca
Latin America latinamerica@nlc.bc.ca
All other countries students@international.nlc.bc.ca
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Welcome to Northern Lights College – Dawson Creek Campus!

We are pleased to welcome you to Northern Lights College (NLC), Dawson Creek Campus! NLC is B.C.’s
Energy College, serving northern British Columbia for over forty years. Our Fort St. John and Dawson Creek
campuses are nestled in the heart of the Peace Region, located near the northern Rockies approximately 1500
kilometres northeast of Vancouver.

NLC’s Dawson Creek Campus offers our students a unique, personalized education experience. NLC’s small
class sizes mean that you will know your teachers and they will know you; our instructors and staff work
hard to help our students succeed and offer a range of support services to help you achieve your academic
and career goals. You and your classmates will work together in exciting individual, group, and community
projects, giving you hands-on experience in your field of study and helping you build your social and
professional networks.

Dawson Creek is a welcoming community where our students feel comfortable and safe. Our students enjoy
a wide variety of exciting outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and horseback riding. Students will
also find many employment options during their studies and upon graduation; in fact, various businesses in
Dawson Creek currently employ many of our graduates! Our community is a great place for students to make
new friends, gain Canadian work experience, and have an affordable, high-quality educational experience.

Northern Lights Campuses and Access Centres

Our main campuses

NLC has five campuses, with Dawson Creek and Fort St John serving as our main campus locations for
international students. Your Letter of Acceptance (LOA) indicates you have been assigned to Dawson Creek
Campus; note that you cannot change campuses once you arrive in Canada. Please check your LOA and
notify NLC immediately should you believe an error has been made in your campus assignment.
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Dawson Creek Campus

The City of Dawson Creek, known as the Mile Zero City, is the starting point on the world-famous Alaska
Highway, and is the largest centre in the Peace River South region. Dawson Creek has a population of 12,000
with numerous itinerant workers from across Canada.

The Dawson Creek Campus includes Aboriginal Education services, on-site student housing, library,
cafeteria, daycare facility, bookstore, gymnasium, financial aid and access to City transit. All our campuses
have free Wi-Fi for students and guests.

Permits and Visas

Your Study Permit and Temporary Resident Visa

According to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada, foreign nationals who wish to study in Canada
for more than six months require a study permit, including their school-age dependent children. Most
international students who study at Northern Lights College require both a Study Permit and Temporary
Resident Visa.

When to Apply
You should apply for your temporary resident visa and study permit as soon as you receive your LOA from
NLC. To check current processing times, click here:

Note that the times listed on the website are averages; some applications are processed more quickly, and
others take longer. Do not delay submitting your application.
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Required Documents
To apply, you will need to submit a copy of:
➢ Your LOA from Northern Lights College
➢ Your valid passport
➢ Any other documents required by the Visa Office or Visa Application Centre (VAC)
➢ Processing fee(s)

Opening a GIC (Guaranteed Investment Certificate)

As an international student, you will be required to show that you have enough money to pay for your studies
in Canada. Some students, depending on where they are from, will need to show a GIC with a Canadian bank
to have their study permit approved. Below is a list of Canadian banks offering international student GIC
services that have branches in Dawson Creek:

➢ Bank of Montreal
➢ Royal Bank
➢ TD Canada Trust
➢ Scotiabank
➢ CIBC
➢ ICICI Bank also offers International Student GICs but does not have a branch in Dawson Creek; you
will still be able to access your funds with this bank once you arrive in Canada.

You can get complete details on your financial requirements from your Visa Application Centre (VAC).

Applying for your Study Permit

To submit your application, check the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website here for the
correct process.

You are not required to use an immigration consultant or lawyer to submit your application. If you choose to
pay someone to help you with your application, ensure that they are a licensed immigration professional.
Check this link for more information on licensed immigration professionals.

Your LOA will expire the week before your classes start. It is imperative that you arrive prior to the
expiry of your LOA.

When you travel, we highly recommend you bring at least CAD$300.00 for incidental expenses. If you
bring US$, you may be able to exchange them at your destination airport.

Travel Information
When you book your flights from your port of entries (Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, or Calgary) allow
ample time for your immigration documents processing. Sometimes the lineup may be longer than usual that
could delay your ability to catch your connecting flight.
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Fort St John Regional Airport

Many students who are bound for our Dawson Creek campus will fly to Fort St John’s Regional Airport,
airport code YXJ.

Fort St John Regional Airport is served by three airlines; Air Canada and WestJet have multiple international
airline partners. You can review the flight schedules and options at the links below:

• Air Canada
• West Jet
• Central Mountain Air

If you choose to arrive at the Fort St. John airport, you will then need to take a taxi to Dawson Creek, as there
is very limited bus service. The rate from the Fort St. John airport to NLC Housing in Dawson Creek is
approximately $200.00; it is customary in Canada to tip taxi drivers. For a better rate contact Golden Cabs as
they offer a flat rate of $165.00 from Fort St. John airport to Dawson Creek.

Dawson Creek Airport

Dawson Creek Airport has limited service from one airline, WestJet, that fly from Vancouver to Dawson
Creek via Calgary, Alberta.

If you require airport pick-up you must arrange a flight to Dawson Creek Airport, as we do not offer airport
pickup service from Fort St John to Dawson Creek Campus.

Taxis
• Golden Cabs - 250-782-7774
• Yellow Cab/AC Taxi – 250-782-2214

Bus Service (No airport pickup)

• The BC North bus service is a government funded bus service between the northeast and northwest BC
and is made available mostly for BC resident. The BC North bus provides three (3) times a week service
and tickets cost between $30.00 - $45.00 and the journey takes about one (1) hour and 15 minutes. To
book a bus, you can book online on call 1-844-564-7494.
• Cold Shot operates a bus from Fort St. John and Dawson Creek five (5) times a week. Tickets cost
between $35.00 - $50.00 and the journey takes about one (1) hour and 10 minutes.

Student Housing
Dawson Creek Campus Student Housing offers a convenient, affordable, safe option for NLC student
accommodation. On campus, students can easily walk to their classes in less than five minutes. Our housing
is also located within easy walking distance of many restaurants, grocery stores, and the Dawson Creek Mall.
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If you would like to request accommodation in our student housing, please follow the instructions here. It is
recommended that you book your housing on-campus only after confirmation that your study permit is
approved.

Student housing is comprised of two wings with capacity for 190 students and includes assisted living units.
The living areas surround a common block with a games area and separate study areas.

Choose from one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom units. There is a two-bedroom wheelchair-accessible suite
on each floor. Each bedroom is furnished with a bed, small dresser, bookshelves, computer station, chair, and
is internet and telephone ready. Each unit has a kitchen with a stove, fridge, microwave, table, and chairs.
Each floor is equipped with a washer and dryer. Vacuum cleaners are available for residents' use. Long-term
stay students provide their own bedding, linen, towels, dishes, and utensils.
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Open flames are not permitted inside student housing. Pets of any kind are not allowed. Cleaning is shared
equally between you and your roommates.

The campus has a gymnasium, a baseball field, and a soccer field. The bookstore can provide you with
textbooks and school supplies and sells an assortment of items with the Northern Lights College logo.

The main campus building houses the campus cafeteria, which offers a selection of low-cost meals Monday
through Friday for breakfast and lunch. The library is also located in the main campus.

Campus living is affordable, convenient, and fun; it offers new students an excellent opportunity to meet new
people and make friends. We suggest that students consider NLC student housing as their choice for
accommodation.

Student Housing Fees

The NLC Housing charges a non-refundable application fee $50.00 (NLC student) - Application fees are
applicable to long-term and short-term stays; damage deposit of $200.00; and first and last month’s rent.
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Long-Term Stay

In Canada, you are required to pay a refundable damage deposit when you rent accommodations. The
damage deposit is refunded to you when your agreement ends, unless you or your roommates have caused
damage to the place you are renting. In that case, the damage deposit will be used to make repairs and you
will be refunded the damage deposit less the cost of repairs. The damage deposit in student housing is
$200.00

Residents in long-term stay rooms must stay a minimum of two months (If your program length is shorter
than two months you will be permitted to end your stay at the end of your program). After the minimum two-
month stay, should you choose to move out, you must give the Student Housing Manager 48 hours’ written
notice.

Note: Applications for long-term stays received less than 10 business days before the requested move in date
will be assessed a $100 Late Application Surcharge. This surcharge is being implemented because there is
additional work involved with last minute move-ins and we want to be as best prepared for your arrival as
we can.

➢ Four Bedroom $520.00 per month per occupant

➢ Two Bedroom $585.00 per month per occupant (there is a limited number of two-bedroom units)
➢ One Bedroom $1,105.00 per month
➢ Family 2-bed unit $1,170.00 per month
➢ Family 3-bed unit $1,430.00 per month
➢ Family 4-bed unit $1,560.00 per month

(Advance Cancellation Policy – minimum two business days/48 hours prior to arrival date on application)

Fees and Payment

Student housing occupants are responsible for payment for the first and last month’s rent or for the length of
the program for which they are registered to stay on campus, whichever is shorter. Monthly payment in its
entirety is due on the first (1st) day of each month. Non-payment of rent will result in initiation of eviction
proceedings.

If your tuition deposit did not include your Student Housing fees, please submit proof of payment for your
first two months’ rent through Western Union Business Solutions. We use GlobalPay for Students, which
allows you to pay your fees in the currency of your choice.

Simply follow these 5 easy steps to make a payment:

Step 1: Enter your information on the GlobalPay for Students home page.
Step 2: Enter your payment amount in Canadian dollars.
Step 3: Select the currency you would like to pay in
Step 4: Enter the details of the person making the payment and print your payment instructions.
Step 5: Complete your payment at your bank or via online banking using the printed instructions.
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*Due to banking regulations, not all currencies are available. If your home currency is not offered, you can
pay in another currency, such as the U.S. dollar.

If you are unable to make a payment using GlobalPay for Students, please contact our International
Education Department at students@international.nlc.bc.ca for assistance.

Dawson Creek Student Housing offers comfortable living space in an environment well-suited to learning.

Note: Housing fees include electricity, heat, hot water, basic cable, access to the campus internet, and free
parking for one vehicle/suite (plug in and non-plug-in stalls are available). Rental fees are payable prior to,
or on the first day of occupancy

For More Information Contact:

Student Housing Manager
Phone: (250) 784-7524 Email: dc-housing@nlc.bc.ca

Off-campus Private Accommodation

Some students prefer to live off campus but may not have a place to stay in their first few days. There are
some affordable local hotel options listed below. If you want to reside in a private residence, make sure that
you are familiar with your rights and responsibilities as a tenant in Canada, as they may differ significantly
from the rules of your home country.
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Rental Properties

Action Property
Fort St. John Office – 1-250-787-7177
Dawson Creek Office – 1-250-782-9800

Upper Montney
900 – 100A Avenue, Dawson Creek
Dawson Creek - 1-250-419-9700
Email – leasing@hsliving.ca

Northview Apartments
Regional Manager
Contact No. 1-250-719-7496

Simon Capital – Tremblay Apartments

Property Manager
Contact No.: 1-250-719-5399

The apartment complex closest to NLC are the Heritage House and Tuscany Manor. Managed by Northview
apartments; and the Tremblay apartment owned by Simon Capital. The Northern Lights Apartments is also
close to NLC and is managed by Sterling Management (not included in our list due to requirement for two
Canadian references).

Health Insurance

Private Health Insurance

All students who have paid the tuition deposit and medical will be enrolled in the college medical plan
(Guard Me) at the student’s expense. The cost is $276.00 per semester which will begin on the first day of
school. Students wishing to arrive in Canada prior to this date are responsible for their own medical coverage
up to first day of school.

BC Medical Services Plan

Medical Services Plan (MSP) is BC’s provincial health insurance plan. Enrolment in MSP is mandatory for
all B.C. residents as per the Medicare Protection Act. Individuals are encouraged to apply for coverage with
the MSP as soon as they arrive in the province. New and returning individuals are required to fulfill a wait
period before coverage begins, which is the balance of the month of arrival plus two months.

The international student health fee of $75.00 per month (same fee for individuals or families) does not begin
until the wait period has been satisfied. Individuals are encouraged to have private health insurance during
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this time. The health fee will be backdated to the date of eligibility, even if an individual had private
insurance during this time.

Services for Students

International Student Orientation (ISO)

Please email students@international.nlc.bc.ca to confirm your attendance at our mandatory ISO orientation
for new students. The ISO offers students essential information to ensure their success, while also offering
new students an opportunity to meet new and returning students. Further details regarding orientation will be
sent to you before the semester begins.

International Education Department

When you arrive at Northern Lights College, you will come to the International Education Office (Main
Campus Room 2311E) to receive important arrival information. Our office delivers events and workshops,
including a variety of outdoor activities like camping and snowshoeing, as well as career, academic and
immigration support workshops. It is important that we are your first stop when you arrive in Canada. Please
bring your Letter of Acceptance with you when you visit our office for the first time.

Student Access Services

Our Access Services professional provide support for students with disabilities and health challenges,
including mental health issues. Access Services can help students who face these challenges to succeed in
their academic journey.

Learning Support Services

The Learning Support Specialist is available on the Dawson Creek campus to help students who require some
support to succeed in their studies as well as those facing social and emotional challenges. Our Learning
Support Specialist can connect you with our free tutoring services and other professionals in the community
who can ensure you are successful during your time at NLC.

Student Life

Student Life delivers a wide range of exciting activities and events for our students. Previous events include
festivals, hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, and other social activities, as well as educational workshops. Student
Life also offers several volunteer opportunities to help you get involved in the campus and community.

NLC Students’ Association

NLC Students’ Association is the Regional governing body serving NLC students that is formed by
acclamation vote from Presidents and Vice Presidents of each local Student Council in every campus.
Student Council, with different campus branches in Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, Chetwynd, Fort Nelson
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and Tumbler Ridge, is an excellent opportunity to make a difference in the student experience at Northern
Lights College. Student Council plans a wide range of student activities, including movie nights, bowling,
and festivals. Student Council members are elected annually and often have other leadership opportunities
such as training and workshops.

Campus Security

If you are on campus for a late class, studying, or at an event and you would like someone to walk you to
your car or to student housing, you can contact Campus Security and request a safe walk. Campus Security
patrols the campus twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Your new community

Dawson Creek is a beautiful city with shops, museums, sports arenas, downhill and cross-country skiing,
bowling lanes, golf courses, walking trails, sports fields, a swimming pool, theatre, and other outdoor and
indoor recreational opportunities. Dawson Creek is located only a short drive from some of the most
incredible lakes, rivers, and hiking in Northern BC. There are endless opportunities for outdoor adventures in
the region.

In addition to the recreation and entertainment amenities, Dawson Creek also offers excellent healthcare
services and facilities, including a hospital, medical clinics, general practitioners, medical specialists,
complete dental services, physiotherapy, and chiropractic services.

The Dawson Creek transit system operates two bus routes (northside and southside) at scheduled times
throughout the day with a regular bus stop located on campus; however, Dawson Creek is small enough that
many of our students choose to walk most places.

The City of Dawson Creek offers a variety of activities for its residents including drop-in yoga, soccer, and
volleyball. These activities will help you make friends and stay active during your time at Northern Lights
College. Other community recreation options include outdoor soccer, cricket, and indoor volleyball.
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You can read the community guide for more information on the different programs and activities available
for you and your family.

Other Community Service Providers

When you arrive in your respective communities you will feel lost and disoriented. You will be worried
about settling in, adjusting to your new community, and meeting new people. The following list provides you
with the information you need in navigating your community for various programs and services you might
need.

Students who are coming with their families (with school-aged children) will need to arrange for their
children’s registration. In most cases, school-age children also require submitting a study permit application
thus a need for a Letter of Acceptance from the school.

Public Schools

In Canada, public education from kindergarten to Grade 12 is free, and private schools or non-public schools
charge tuition fee. Registration to these schools is usually done in June through August, simply visit their
respective websites below for the information. However, if you and your family arrive outside of normal
registration period i.e., January and May you have to contact the school authorities for registration
information.

School District 59 (Peace River South)

11600 – 7th Street Dawson Creek, BC V1G 4R8
Phone: (250) 782-8571
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Private Schools (with fees)

Notre Dame Catholic School (Catholic School)

908 – 104 Avenue, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 2H8
Phone: (250) 782-4923

Mountain Christian School (Christian School)

9700 – 5th Street, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 3L4

Employment
Full time and part-time jobs are available in Dawson Creek and surrounding areas. Some employers require
you to submit your application by visiting their websites, other employers may ask for your resume and letter
of enrolment, which can be obtained through records@nlc.bc.ca The best way to search for jobs is through
WorkBC, a government funded agency that provides information about labour market.

WorkBC Centre Dawson Creek

1105 – 103 Avenue, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 2G8

Phone: (250) 782-1900

Day Care
If you are bringing your family (spouses and children) with you, it is important that you arrange for
childcare, which could be more expensive than what you are used to. There are different types of childcare
providers in BC, such as in-home care, licensed and unlicensed day care centres. In BC, the Child Care
Resource and Referral is the first stop for childcare information:

Child Care Resource & Referral

10200 – 8th Street, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 3P8

Phone: (250) 782-1138

Community Resources
In Dawson Creek there are various community service providers who can assist you with settlement services,
community referrals, literacy and English as a Second Language trainings, and other basic needs such as
access to used furniture, kitchen ware, food bank, etc.

Dawson Creek Literacy Society

929 – 102 Avenue, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 2B5
Phone: (250) 782-4211

Dawson Creek Literacy provides support for newcomers, non-English language speakers, international
students, temporary foreign workers, and refugee claimants. They are funded by the federal and provincial
governments to deliver specific services to the residents of Dawson Creek and surrounding areas.
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Dawson Creek Catholic Social Services/Job Search

1004 – 105 Avenue
Dawson Creek, BC
Phone: (250) 782-6800

The Dawson Creek Catholic Social Services provides services that improves the quality of life for families
and individuals in our community such as family counseling, job search and employment services, and
specific trainings for youth, women, new immigrants, and people who are facing barriers to employment.

The O’Bair Economic Society

#2-929 – 106 Avenue
Dawson Creek, BC V1G 2N8
Phone: 250-782-2628

The O’Bair Economic Society provides support for unemployed individuals in the community by providing
vocational counseling and training. It is funded by the federal and provincial governments.

Networks Ministries
11501 – 17 Street, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 4S7
Phone: 1-844-432-3663

The Networks Ministries provides support for homeless and low-income people. They are funded by the
community through donations and managed and run by community volunteers. They also provide counseling,
if needed.

The Salvation Army

1019 – 103 Avenue, Dawson Creek, BC
Phone: (250) 782-8852

The Salvation Army provides emergency food for those who are in need such as the food bank and cooked
meals on occasions. They receive funding through corporate and individual donations. The Salvation Army
also recruits volunteers to help them deliver their services in the community.

Public Transportation within and around your community

Public transportation is limited in Dawson Creek and area. There are two public transit routes that travel in
two different directions: the Northsides and the Southside. Here is the public transit information and schedule
for your guide. The schedule is on time unless there are mechanical or road problems. It is important to be on
time, be on your allocated Bus Stop at least 5 minutes before the arrival time of your bus. You can pay on the
bus ($2.25 one way or you can also purchase monthly bus pass at designated places) by dropping your exact
fare in the box provided by the driver’s side. You will not be given change if you don’t have the exact fare
amount.
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If you want to go outside of the city bus route, you may have to take a taxi. There are two taxi services in the
Dawson Creek area: 1) the Yellow Cab and the 2) Golden Taxi

Going to nearby cities from Dawson Creek is possible by land or by air. There is a private bus service
available throughout Alberta and British Columbia from Dawson Creek. WestJet flies from Dawson Creek to
other parts of Canada indirectly through Calgary connection.

The International Education team and all the NLC staff are very excited to welcome you to our
community and look forward to ensuring you have an excellent experience with us at NLC Dawson Creek.

The International Education team and all the NLC staff are very excited to welcome you to our community
and look forward to ensuring you have an excellent experience with us at NLC Dawson Creek.