Work has commenced on the demolition of Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in northeastern British Columbia following a tragic mass shooting incident earlier this year. The school witnessed the loss of five children and an education assistant on February 10, marking one of the deadliest mass shootings in Canada.
Crews have been diligently emptying the school premises using covered trucks over the past few weeks in preparation for its physical dismantling. The removal process is deemed a significant step in the carefully planned deconstruction of the school, which is anticipated to span several more weeks, as stated by School District 59 superintendent Christy Fennell in a letter to the community.
Following the complete removal of the structure, efforts will shift towards restoring the site to its natural state with grass expected to cover the area by fall. The demolition will be carried out in phases to minimize disruptions to the surroundings, with all waste material slated for disposal at regional landfills to ensure community privacy is safeguarded.
In a bid to swiftly replace the school, Premier David Eby announced plans in May to construct a new facility at a yet-to-be-disclosed location, supported by a combined $200 million commitment from federal and provincial governments. Tumbler Ridge, home to approximately 2,400 residents, saw around 160 students from grades 7 to 12 enrolled at the secondary school, which also housed a college campus.
In the aftermath of the tragic incident, temporary portable classrooms have been established at the local elementary school grounds to accommodate students. Additional modular facilities, including washrooms, offices, counseling spaces, and communal areas, are being introduced for the upcoming 2026-27 school year. The school district intends to engage students and residents in the fall to gather input on the conceptual designs for the new secondary school.
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