TUMBLER RIDGE, B.C. - Residents of Tumbler Ridge will soon see significant changes at the site of the former Tumbler Ridge Secondary School as crews move into the next phase of the building’s removal.
School District 59 Superintendent Christy Fennell said work to remove the exterior of the existing school building is scheduled to begin Monday, August 17.
The demolition marks what district officials describe as an important milestone in the careful, staged removal of the former school structure.
The removal of the building is expected to take several more weeks to complete. Once the structure has been demolished, restoration work will continue throughout the fall, with plans to return the site to grass.
Fennell acknowledged the emotional significance of the project for many community members.
“We recognize that seeing the building change will be significant for many in the community,” she said, adding that the district wanted students, families, staff and residents to know what to expect as the next stage begins.
On February 10, Jesse Van Rootselaar, an 18-year-old former student at the school, shot and killed her mother and sibling at their home. She then walked to the high school and opened fire, killing five young students and a teacher’s aide before shooting herself.
In May, School District 59 announced plans to demolish Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.
At the time, BC’s Premier said the district had made the decision to replace the old secondary school with a new facility at a new location in the community.
David Eby further pledged that neither the province nor Ottawa would be diverting education funds from other communities to pay for Tumbler Ridge’s new school.
The school is being dismantled in stages rather than demolished using more disruptive methods. Building materials will be taken to regional landfills, with the Tumbler Ridge landfill not being used.
School District 59 said measures will remain in place during the demolition to minimize disruption and protect privacy.
Officials say additional updates will be shared as timelines and future plans are confirmed.
“We recognize the significance of this moment and thank the Tumbler Ridge community for its continued care, compassion and understanding,” Fennell said.