Residents of Tumbler Ridge, B.C., are coming together to grieve Tuesday’s devastating deadly shooting at the town’s high school.
The close-knit community has been left reeling after eight victims — including six children — were killed. Flags remain at half-mast.
The town has been quiet with the exception of a visit by Premier David Eby, but community members continue to meet near a memorial site created during a vigil held Wednesday night to remember those who were lost.
Flowers, candles, teddy bears and other mementos have been carefully placed at the base of a tree just outside the local community centre, on a hill overlooking the school.
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Tumbler Ridge Mayor Darryl Krakowka and councillors had previously walked down the hill towards the school, placing flowers by the side of the road near Front Street and Southgate Street. The memorial is an extension of that gesture and has been secured with a small set of metal fencing.
The vigil was well attended, with a large crowd gathering and holding candles to bring light to the dark evening and tragedy the community is still struggling with.
The day after the vigil, a local resident was offering extra candles for those who wanted to place them on the doorsteps of their homes, as a gesture of support and solidarity.
Community members continued to meet at the tree to place items, embrace each other, cry and check in on their neighbours, friends and family.
At the local grocery store, a table was set up with coffee and treats, with a sign reading: “Please share a cup of comfort.” Another small but important gesture by the community.
A pair of teenagers were seen hugging each other in the store, with tears being wept by both, as they reconnected after the tragedy.
For many people, the news of this tragedy will be their first introduction to the small northeast B.C. town.
For those already familiar with Tumbler Ridge, it’s long been a destination for outdoor recreation as one of five of UNESCO Geoparks in Canada — rich with dinosaur fossils, waterfalls and world-class hiking trails — sits right in town.
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Tumbler Ridge has a population of roughly 2,400 people, who are connected to the greater whole of more than 60,000 people living in northeast B.C.
There is a shared sense of grief, but also care, being felt right across the Peace region.
In nearby Hudson’s Hope, 162 kilometres north, a moment of silence was held on Wednesday by the local mayor and council.
Hudson’s Hope Mayor Travous Quibell says the news has been distressing for many of his residents who have close ties to the Tumbler Ridge community, including his own children.
“When something like this happens, it’s not distant. It’s felt everywhere,” said Quibell.
“In small and rural communities like ours, the lines between places are really thin, we are a family. Our families span community boundaries, our children learn and play together.”
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Similar sentiments are being shared across the Peace, both by individuals on social media, local politicians and neighbouring municipalities.
Peace River South MLA Larry Neufeld attended the vigil on Wednesday night and shared that it was a powerful moment of love and remembrance.
“The sheer support for our friends, families, and neighbours was overwhelming. Hugs were shared. Shoulders were offered. Lives lost were honoured, and the lives still with us were held a little closer,” Neufeld wrote on social media.
“Tumbler Ridge is strong because its people are strong,” he added.
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