Demolition of Tumbler Ridge Secondary School is now underway

The demolition of Tumbler Ridge Secondary School is now underway following a devastating shooting that left five students and one educator dead. Crews began removing the building's exterior on Monday, revealing walls torn off and rubble on the ground. The Peace River South School District stated that the demolition process is expected to take several weeks.

Once the structure is completely removed, restoration work will continue through the fall, transforming the site back into grass. The provincial government has promised to build a new school in the community, but in a different location. Premier David Eby emphasized that students cannot return to the site where such a tragic incident occurred.

The tragic event took place on February 10, when 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar opened fire, killing five children and an educator. Before the shooting, Van Rootselaar had also killed his mother and half-brother at their home before taking his own life at the school. Last week, hundreds of court documents detailing the events surrounding the shooting were released, providing chilling new insights into the killer's mental state. However, many details remain withheld from the public.

Media organizations from across the country fought for transparency on behalf of the victims' families, the Tumbler Ridge community, and the nation. The sworn police document, written by RCMP Const. Jonathan Paquin, confirmed that Van Rootselaar had mental health issues and was fascinated by firearms.