The scars will never fully heal, but the physical site of one of Canada’s most horrific mass shootings will soon be destroyed.
The Government of BC has confirmed that students will never return to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School’s current building and it will be torn down instead.
It was a decision ultimately made by the Peace River South School Board in consultation with victims’ families, students, teachers, experts and the community, the Province says.
The school board has requested provincial support to build a new high school at a different location in Tumbler Ridge.
"Our students and staff have been through an incredibly difficult experience, and their well-being remains our highest priority,” explained school board chair Chad Anderson.
“This new school will provide a safe, caring environment where students can focus on learning and feel supported as they continue their path forward."
The Province has confirmed that both provincial and federal governments will support the removal of the existing building and the development and construction of a new school.
"The people of Tumbler Ridge have endured unimaginable trauma and grief,” said Premier David Eby. “We will continue to be there to ensure that they have the supports they need.”
He added: “Building a new school is an important step in providing students and staff a healing and supportive place to learn and work, and is the result of Tumbler Ridge families, BC and Canada standing together for the future of this vital community."
Trauma-informed community consultations and expert advice will be sought for the design of the new school, a process that will begin before the end of 2026.
In the meantime, the demolition of the existing school will begin as early as this summer and the Province will work with School District 59 to expedite the build of the new school.
Until a new school is built, high school students in Tumbler Ridge will utilize a campus of large modular classrooms being provided by the Province.
The campus will include eight spacious classrooms that are twice the size of the existing temporary trailers they’re using, which students are expected to move into later this month.
By the fall, another five modular units will be installed that will be used as administrative and common space.
