The demolition of Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in northeastern British Columbia commenced this week following a tragic mass shooting incident earlier this year.
On February 10, a devastating shooting took the lives of five students and one education assistant at the school, marking one of Canada’s deadliest mass shootings.
Over the past few weeks, crews have been clearing out the school’s contents using covered trucks in preparation for its physical dismantling.
In a letter to residents, School District 59 superintendent Christy Fennell described the demolition as a significant step in the careful process of removing the existing school, which is anticipated to continue for a few more weeks.
Following the demolition, efforts will be made throughout the fall to restore the site to its natural state with grass.
The school district has outlined that the demolition will be carried out in phases to minimize disruptions, with demolition waste being transported to regional landfills to safeguard privacy.
Back in May, Premier David Eby announced plans to swiftly replace the school at a new undisclosed location, with both federal and provincial governments committing $200 million towards the new school and enhancements to the community’s health center.
Tumbler Ridge, a community of approximately 2,400 residents, housed around 160 students spanning grades 7 to 12 at the secondary school, which also included a college campus.
