Latest News & Announcements

Tumbler Ridge Community Update - September 21, 2026

We know how important a new school is to the Tumbler Ridge community, and we are pleased to share an update.

The Province and SD 59 Peace River South School District are continuing to work together to move the new school project forward. An RFP (Request for Proposal) for preliminary site work will be issued this week. This work will help us better understand the site and inform the next stages of the project.

The Ministry of Infrastructure and the District of Tumbler Ridge have identified a potential location for the new secondary school in the middle bench area. This aligns with what we heard from many people during the spring consultation with Safer Schools Together.

We understand that this proposed site may be new information, and we want to make sure families, and community members have clear information as the project progresses. 

At this stage, the work will focus on learning more about the site to see if it is suitable for a new school. This is an important early step in moving the project forward and making sure we are doing our due diligence.

Starting this process now is important because winter conditions in Tumbler Ridge can make the work more challenging. Getting this underway as soon as possible will help keep the overall project moving forward.

Upcoming Community Consultations
There will be an opportunity for students, families, and community members to share their input as the project moves forward. Community consultations are planned for later this fall, and we look forward to hearing from the Tumbler Ridge community and sharing more information soon.

We know there is a lot of interest in this project, and we’ll continue to keep students, families, and the broader Tumbler Ridge community informed as we move forward.

Tumbler Ridge Community Update - September 3, 2026

As students prepare to return to school in the coming weeks, we are pleased to share an update from the Ministry of Infrastructure that a new secondary school-sized gym is starting construction behind the current aquatic centre and skating rink to support Tumbler Ridge Secondary School students. 

The new prefabricated gym will provide students with a dedicated indoor space for physical education, sports and other activities while they continue learning at their temporary school campus. The gym is designed to be delivered and ready for use quickly, helping meet the immediate needs of students and staff. It is expected to be ready for students in early 2027.

Click here for more information in the full update.

UPDATE: August 11, 2026

Dear Tumbler Ridge Community;

We are writing to provide an update on the removal of the existing Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.

Beginning Monday, August 17, work will begin to remove the exterior of the school building. This is an important milestone in the careful, staged removal of the existing school, which is expected to take a few more weeks.  After the structure is removed, work will continue through the fall to restore the site to grass.

We recognize that seeing the building change will be significant for many in the community. We are sharing this update in advance so students, families, staff and community members know what to expect as this next stage of the work begins.

The work will continue to be carried out in stages, with measures in place to minimize disruption and protect privacy. As previously shared, building materials will be transported to regional landfills, and the Tumbler Ridge landfill will not be used.

We will continue to keep the community informed as the work progresses and share further updates as timelines and next steps are confirmed.

We recognize the significance of this moment and thank the Tumbler Ridge community for its continued care, compassion and understanding.

Superintendent,
Christy Fennell

July 21, 2026

Dear Tumbler Ridge Community;

As we continue to move forward together, we want to share an update on the next steps for Tumbler Ridge Secondary School.

Our hearts remain with the students, families, staff, first responders, and everyone in our community who continue to navigate the aftermath of this devastating tragedy. We know that Tumbler Ridge Secondary School holds deep meaning for many people, and we recognize that the work ahead may bring a range of emotions.

Over the past several months, we have listened to students, families, staff, Indigenous partners, community members, and experts as we considered the best path forward. Based on those conversations, the Peace River South School District requested support from the province to build a new secondary school at a new location in Tumbler Ridge and to remove the existing school using a thoughtful, trauma-informed approach.

Please review the Tumbler Ridge Community Update letter attached for more information regarding the removal of the old school and preparing for the new school. 

Thank you for your patience, your compassion, and the care you continue to show one another. Together, we will honour the past while creating a new learning environment that will serve students and families for generations to come.

To learn about the supports available for people affected by the Tumbler Ridge tragedy, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/youth-and-family-services/tumbler-ridge.