Chris Norbury, a long-time resident of Tumbler Ridge, witnessed the demolition of Tumbler Ridge Secondary School this week, a deeply personal and bittersweet moment for him. His wife was present at the school during the tragic mass shooting that occurred in February. Alongside numerous community members, Norbury gathered to observe the commencement of the demolition on Monday, emphasizing the significance of this event in the community’s healing process.
The school, constructed in the 1980s during Tumbler Ridge’s coal mining era, holds decades of memories for generations of students. However, following the devastating events of February 10, students and teachers expressed a strong desire not to return to the premises and advocated for its removal as a crucial step towards closure and moving forward.
Norbury highlighted the importance of concluding past chapters to pave the way for new beginnings, stating that the demolition signifies a pivotal phase in Tumbler Ridge’s recovery journey after the tragedy. The community is now focusing on constructing a new school, with students temporarily attending classes at a specially set up campus while plans for the new facility unfold.
The School District 59 board chair, Chad Anderson, emphasized the priority of providing a safe and conducive learning environment for students and staff. Additional facilities, such as a child-care center and a mobile trades training center, are also being established to support the educational needs of the community. Anderson reassured that distance learning options will be available for students who may require additional support before returning to traditional classes.
Looking ahead, the secondary school site will be transformed into a grass field, with discussions ongoing regarding potential permanent memorials to honor the victims of the shooting. Mayor Darryl Krakowka affirmed that decisions on memorials and the future use of the property will align with the wishes of the victims’ families. The community’s recovery plan is progressing, with continued support from provincial and federal authorities to ensure residents’ voices are heard and incorporated in the rebuilding process.
As the community looks forward to a new school, Norbury expressed optimism for the opportunities and fresh start it will bring, emphasizing the importance of progress and resilience in the face of adversity. The focus remains on engaging stakeholders, including students, families, and residents, to shape a cohesive and supportive community environment for the future.