Demolition work on Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in northeastern British Columbia commenced on Monday, following a tragic mass shooting incident several months ago.
The school was the site of a deadly shooting on February 10, resulting in the loss of five children and one education assistant, marking one of the most devastating mass shootings in Canada.
Efforts have been underway for weeks to clear out the school’s contents using covered trucks in preparation for its physical dismantling.
Superintendent Christy Fennell of School District 59 expressed that the demolition marked a crucial step in the phased removal of the current school, with the process expected to last a few more weeks.
Following the complete dismantling of the structure, restoration work will proceed throughout the autumn to transform the site back to a grassy area.
The school district emphasized that the demolition process would be implemented in stages to minimize disruptions to the community.
Remnants from the demolition will be disposed of in regional landfills to ensure community privacy is maintained.
In a statement made in May, Premier David Eby announced intentions to expedite the construction of a new school at a yet-to-be-disclosed location to replace the existing facility.
The federal and provincial authorities have pledged $200 million for the development of the new school and enhancements to the local health center.
Tumbler Ridge, with a population of approximately 2,400 residents, had around 160 students spanning grades 7 to 12 attending the secondary school, which also housed a college campus.