Over the years, the school has been through several structural changes, such as when the 1944 Cornwall–Massena earthquake destroyed the middle of the building which then had to be demolished and reconstructed.

In the mid-1970s, the centre core again underwent major renovations.

In a 2002 controversial decision, the school's grade 9 and 10 students were moved to St. Lawrence and General Vanier, while grade 11 and 12 students from those schools were subsequently moved to CCVS in an effort to cut costs.

Today, CCVS is an ethnically diverse school which reflects the changing demographics in the city of Cornwall.

Due to its long history, CCVS offers many scholarship, bursary and award opportunities that total more than $150,000 for its graduating students.