November 5, 2026
Planning for a new secondary school in Tumbler Ridge is moving forward, with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Peace River South School District 59 preparing to hear from students, families, school staff, and other stakeholders about what matters most as the project advances. This consultation will take place during the week of November 16th, 2026. In addition, Urban Systems has been hired to help with the consultation. They will work with Safer Schools Together to make sure we are gathering input in a safe, trauma-informed environment.
While there are still important decisions ahead about how the new school will be designed and delivered, the School District has already heard clearly about what is important to preserve and enhance. Based on this feedback, we already know the new school will include a gymnasium appropriately sized to meet the needs of the school and broader community. The School District has also heard how important trades education is to students and the community, and the new school will provide a trades workshop that offers the same or better functionality and learning opportunities for students.
Two approaches are being explored for the design and construction of the new school: modular or prefabricated construction and traditional site-built construction. Conceptual designs and other visual information will be shared during the upcoming consultation sessions to help participants understand what each approach could look like and consider how the future school could best support learning, student and staff wellbeing, safety, community needs and the transition to a permanent school.
Beginning the week of November 16, focused engagement sessions will be held with people closely connected to the school and its future. Opportunities will be tailored for students, parents and caregivers, educators, school administration and other community representatives. Invitations and additional information about how to participate will be shared in the coming days.
