For Chris Norbury, witnessing the demolition of Tumbler Ridge Secondary School this week was a mix of emotions and deeply significant.
Norbury, a long-time resident whose wife was present during the tragic mass shooting in February, joined many community members on Monday to observe the start of the teardown.
“I focus on putting others first and try to understand the feelings of those who were affected. Their needs and emotions take precedence over my own,” he stated.
“This marks the beginning of a new chapter for Tumbler Ridge and its students.”
Chris Norbury, a resident of Tumbler Ridge, was among the crowd that gathered to watch the demolition of the community’s high school on Monday, Aug. 17. He believes that the tearing down of the building signifies the next step in the community’s healing process after the mass shooting that claimed five students and an education assistant. (Matt Preprost/CBC)
Built in the 1980s, the brown-bricked structure emerged when Tumbler Ridge was developed from the wilderness for coal mining.
Norbury reflects on the countless students who have attended the school and created lasting memories over the last four decades.
However, following the events of February 10, he noted that both students and teachers expressed a desire not to return and wished for the building to be demolished.
“To move forward from this tragedy, we need to close certain chapters and start anew,” Norbury remarked.
“I genuinely hope this serves as a chance for us in the next phase of community recovery. This is a process we must embrace.”
Expansion of temporary campus
This fall, students will return to classes at a temporary campus while plans for a new school are set in motion.
On Monday, construction crews began building a communal space that will feature washrooms and a lunchroom. This complements around a dozen modular classrooms along with administrative and counseling offices already established on the local elementary school grounds.
Chad Anderson, chair of School District 59, mentioned that a child-care center is also under construction, and the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology has a mobile trades training facility on site.
“When we initiated this in spring, our main goal was to provide a sense of safety for students and staff,” Anderson explained. “This fall’s primary objective is to deliver a robust schedule and consistent coursework for the students.”
For those students who feel unprepared to return, distance learning and support services will be available, Anderson added.
The youth of Tumbler Ridge continue to honor the victims of the February mass shooting by writing names and messages on a wall in the town’s downtown area. Monday marked a significant moment: the meticulously planned demolition of the secondary school where the tragedy occurred. (Tom Summer/CBC)
Future plans for a new school and public memorial
The location of the former secondary school will be transformed into a grassy field.
“In the future, the board will need to make decisions regarding permanent memorials and the use of this property, but those discussions have not yet occurred,” Anderson stated.
A memorial outside the community center remains well-maintained and draws visitors.
Mayor Darryl Krakowka stated that a permanent memorial will be guided by the wishes of the victims’ families.
“As they progress through their grieving process and are ready to discuss with the district, we will engage in that conversation,” he noted.
Krakowka remarked that residents were consulted, and a majority supported the school’s demolition. He added that many young people have steered clear of the area around the building, and they hope that its removal will aid in their healing.
Mayor Darryl Krakowka of Tumbler Ridge addresses the media outside town hall on Monday, Aug. 17. He stated that the municipality is engaging residents in developing a recovery plan for the community following February’s tragic mass shooting. (Matt Preprost/CBC)
“They were reluctant to use the soccer field located across from the high school,” Krakowka expressed.
“Watching the school being demolished may ease their burden, allowing them to engage more with the downtown area without being reminded of their experiences that day.”
Krakowka indicated that the municipality is crafting a long-term recovery plan for the community, with ongoing support from provincial and federal levels. The aim is to keep students, families, and residents involved in the process.
“Listening to them is crucial,” Krakowka emphasized. “We might be overlooking certain needs that could assist our community.”
Anderson mentioned that the province and school district are exploring options for the new school’s location, but no final decisions have been made. Consultations regarding school designs are anticipated later this year.
He added that the community has already indicated a preference for a centrally located new school that includes facilities such as workshops, kitchens, and other specialized programs.
Norbury expressed his enthusiasm for the potential of a new school.
“This is the conclusion of Tumbler Ridge Senior Secondary, paving the way for a new school in the future,” he asserted.
“And I hope that happens sooner rather than later.”
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