Authorities in the northeastern part of British Columbia have announced that the process of dismantling Tumbler Ridge Secondary School’s exterior will commence on Monday.
In a tragic incident on February 10, five children and an education assistant lost their lives in one of the most devastating mass shootings in Canada.
Over the past few weeks, crews have been relocating the school’s contents using covered trucks in preparation for its physical demolition.
“This marks a significant step in the meticulous, phased dismantling of the current school, a process expected to span a few more weeks,” stated Christy Fennell, superintendent of School District 59, in a letter addressed to residents.
Following the removal of the structure, efforts will proceed throughout the autumn to restore the site to its original grassy state.
The school district has outlined that the deconstruction will be carried out in stages to minimize disruptions.
To safeguard privacy, demolition waste will be transported to regional landfills rather than being retained within the community, as stated by officials.
In May, Premier David Eby revealed intentions to expedite the construction of a new school at an undisclosed location to replace the existing one.
An allocation of $200 million, jointly contributed by federal and provincial authorities, has been designated for the construction of the new school and enhancements to the community’s health center.
Tumbler Ridge, housing approximately 2,400 residents, had around 160 students enrolled in Grades 7 to 12 at the secondary school, which also included a college component.
Following the tragedy, temporary portable classrooms were set up at the local elementary school premises.
Additional modular campus facilities, including washrooms, offices, counseling spaces, and a communal area