TUMBLER RIDGE, B.C. - A potential location has been identified for Tumbler Ridge’s replacement secondary school, marking a major step forward in efforts to rebuild after the community’s former school was demolished following the February mass shooting.
School District 59 said a Request for Proposal (RFP) for preliminary site work will be issued this week.
The province, School District 59 and the District of Tumbler Ridge have identified a potential site for the new secondary school in the community’s middle bench area.
According to the district, the location aligns with feedback received during spring consultations conducted as part of the Safer Schools Together process.
The upcoming work will focus on gathering more information about the site and determining whether it is suitable for a new school.
“This is an important step in moving the project forward and making sure we are doing our due diligence,” the district said in an update.
School District 59 noted that beginning the work now is important because winter conditions in Tumbler Ridge can make site investigations more challenging and potentially delay the project.
The community has been awaiting news on a permanent replacement school since Tumbler Ridge Secondary School was torn down in the aftermath of the February mass shooting.
Students have since been learning in temporary facilities while plans for a new school move through the planning process.
More opportunities for public input are expected later this fall. The district says students, families and community members will be invited to participate in additional consultations as the project progresses.