Tumbler Ridge High School to Be Torn Down, Rebuilt at New Site After Mass Shooting

Tumbler Ridge Secondary School will be demolished and rebuilt in a new location in the wake of the mass shooting at the school in February, the B.C. government says.

The new school would be built at a yet-to-be announced location, with funding provided by the province and the federal government, according to a May 7 press release from the B.C. government. In the interim, students will be moved to modular classrooms.

The Peace River South School Board, which has jurisdiction over the school, made the decision to remove the school following consultation with victims’ families, students, teachers, and experts, the statement said.

“In the wake of an unspeakable tragedy, the community in Tumbler Ridge has persevered and shown such strength. We are focused on providing the students with the support they need and a new school will help make that happen,” B.C. Premier David Eby said in the release.

On Feb. 10, former Tumbler Ridge Secondary School student Jesse Van Rootselaar killed his mother and half-brother at a nearby residence before opening fire at the school, where six more people—an educator and five students—were killed and 27 others injured. Van Rootselaar later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The location and design of the new school will be decided later this year based on community feedback and expert advice, with students moving into larger modular classrooms in late May, the  release said.

Smaller modular facilities using single-wide trailers began arriving on the current site of the school on Feb. 16, with a phased resumption of classes beginning on Feb. 26.

Eight new modular classrooms, comparable in size to standard classrooms, will be available first, each able to accommodate 25 to 30 students, the release says, adding that five additional modular units are also planned by fall 2026 for administrative and common areas.

The District of Tumbler Ridge said in a social media post that it would continue to take input from the community on the future of the school.

“We recognize that this is a significant and complex moment for the community, and that there are a range of perspectives on the path forward. The District will continue to listen to students, families, staff, and community members as additional information becomes available and next steps are considered,” it wrote.