Construction has commenced on a new gym in northeastern B.C. to assist students affected by the Tumbler Ridge Secondary School shooting. The original site of the tragic event in February was demolished in August, with high school students set to return to a temporary classroom campus next week. Chad Anderson, chair of the School District 59 board of education, revealed that a prefabricated gym near the local recreation centre is being built to accommodate students until a permanent school is constructed.
The provincial and federal governments have allocated $200 million for the new school and additional infrastructure as part of the community’s recovery efforts. While it remains unclear if the new gym falls under the announced funding, a Ministry of Infrastructure spokesperson mentioned that the prefab gym was deemed an urgent necessity, and detailed budget information would be disclosed later.
Education Minister Lisa Beare expressed gratitude towards the Tumbler Ridge community and the District for their support, emphasizing that the new gym will offer students a dedicated space for learning, playing, and staying active until the completion of the permanent new secondary school, expected by early 2027.
Portable classrooms, counseling offices, and a common area have been established at the community’s elementary school following the shooting. Nicole Noksana, chair of the Tumbler Ridge Parent Advisory Council, welcomed the school district’s recent announcement, highlighting the importance of physical activity for children’s well-being. Basketball and volleyball are popular team sports among students, with the new gym expected to provide a space for various activities and gatherings.
In addition to the gym, construction of a new daycare is also anticipated to begin at the elementary school campus soon. Anderson noted that the new facility aims to help students resume a sense of normalcy and routine, especially given the significance of sports and physical education in the recovery process. Mayor Darryl Krakowka mentioned that the gym will be transferred to the municipality once a permanent school with its own gym is established, envisioning numerous community programs to operate from the facility.
As preparations for the new school progress, consultations are scheduled for this fall. Mayor Krakowka expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming school year, which will kick off with various events, including WHL preseason games, a fall fair, and a benefit concert over the Labour Day long weekend. The community is eagerly anticipating the return to a more vibrant and active environment for its youth and children.