The government of British Columbia has announced plans to demolish and rebuild Tumbler Ridge Secondary School at a new location following the deadly mass shooting that shook the community earlier this year.
Premier David Eby confirmed the decision on Thursday, stating that provincial authorities are committed to completing the new school project as quickly as possible while respecting the wishes of survivors, families, and local residents.
The February attack claimed the lives of eight people, including five students and an education assistant, leaving the northern British Columbia community devastated. Eby said community feedback strongly supported building a completely new campus rather than reopening the existing site.
“The message from the community is clear,” Eby told reporters. “They want a new school in a new location.”
Since the tragedy, approximately 160 students from Grades 7 through 12 have continued their education in temporary portable classrooms placed near the local elementary school.
Provincial officials also announced plans to expand temporary learning facilities while construction plans for the permanent campus move forward. Larger modular classrooms are expected to arrive in the coming weeks, with eight classroom units scheduled to be operational by fall 2026. Additional modular units will be used for administrative offices and shared student spaces.
The government said the upgraded temporary classrooms will provide significantly more space, with each unit designed to accommodate between 25 and 30 students.
Officials emphasized that rebuilding efforts will focus on supporting recovery within the community while ensuring students have access to safe and stable learning environments during the transition period.
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