Demolition of Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in northeastern British Columbia commenced on Monday, several months following a tragic mass shooting incident.
On February 10, five children and an educational assistant lost their lives at the school, marking one of the most devastating mass shootings in Canada’s history.
In preparation for the school’s demolition, crews have been systematically removing items from the building over the past few weeks, utilizing covered trucks to transport the contents.
A memorial honoring the victims of the mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. (Matt Preprost/CBC)
In a letter to the community, School District 59 superintendent Christy Fennell stated, “This marks a significant step in the careful, phased removal of the current school, a process expected to take a few more weeks.”
Fennell added that once the building is demolished, efforts will continue through the fall to return the area to grass.
Heavy machinery is seen dismantling the school building. Crews have spent recent weeks clearing out its contents prior to the demolition. (CBC News)
The school district has indicated that the demolition will occur in phases to reduce any disturbances.
To safeguard privacy, the debris from the demolition will be taken to regional landfills rather than remaining within the community.
In May, Premier David Eby revealed intentions to expedite the construction of a new school at a yet-to-be-disclosed location.
Both the federal and provincial governments have allocated $200 million for the establishment of the new school and improvements to the community’s health center.
Tumbler Ridge has a population of approximately 2,400 residents, with around 160 students in grades 7 through 12 attending the secondary school, which also featured a college campus.
One of several modular classroom pods established for Tumbler Ridge secondary students while plans for a new school are being developed. (Matt Preprost/CBC)
Following the shooting, temporary portable classrooms have been set up on the grounds of the local elementary school.
Additional modular facilities, including restrooms, offices, counseling areas, and a communal space, are scheduled to be introduced for the 2026-27 school year.
The school district has expressed its intention to engage with students and community members regarding the conceptual designs for a new secondary school in the upcoming fall.
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