Communities, small and large, across B.C. and Canada have been expressing condolences and gestures of support this week, in the wake of the mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., that saw eight victims killed, including six children.
While the grief is felt most immediately in the Peace region, the province and the country continues to mourn with the northeast B.C. town.
In the west Kootenays, Village of Nakusp Mayor Tom Zeleznik spoke of the challenges of leadership in small communities during a time of extreme hardship and tragedy, expressing his condolences on social media on Feb. 11.
“When something this devastating happens in one rural community, it touches all of us in a deeply personal way,” he said.
“Nakusp and the surrounding area are thinking of you, grieving with you, and standing beside you in spirit. We hope you find strength in one another and comfort in the care and support that surrounds your community.”
Zeleznik added that he’s keeping Tumbler Ridge Mayor Darryl Krakowka and council in his thoughts, in addition to residents, parents, emergency responders and educators.
“Leadership during moments like this carries a heavy weight, and you are not alone,” he said.
In eastern Canada, a school in the Township of Terrace Bay, Ont., gathered to create a valentine heart in the snow for Tumbler Ridge.
Kim Asmussen was filling in as a principal at Terrace Bay Public School, and said students wanted to show their support from their town of roughly 1,500 people.
“The vote was unanimous for this one. It took about two hours to complete, then we had the entire school come out to show their support.”
Residents in Tumbler Ridge continued to grieve Friday, visiting the memorial site set up just outside the community centre.
The local grocery store remains a place for the community to gather and check in with one another, with many still buying flowers. A clerk was seen waving a man through the till at no cost when he went to purchase flowers in memory of those who were lost.
The table set up with free coffee and treats has become a permanent fixture in the store, offering comfort whenever people need it.
The town is fortunate in knowing how to look after their own, and has been doing so for many years.
Residents across B.C. react to Tumbler Ridge tragedy
Tumbler Ridge Mental Wellness Peer Support is opening its doors to residents at Willow Hall at 7 p.m. every Monday.
It’s a continuation of work started by the grassroots organization six years ago, with information bulletins posted around the community from before the tragedy happened.
A vigil was held in the neighbouring community of Chetwynd on Thursday night in support of Tumbler Ridge, just 96 kilometres north.
More vigils across communities in the Peace region are expected in the coming days, including Fort St. John and Dawson Creek.
Tumbler Ridge’s pool has also reopened to residents only, with the help from Fort St. John and Chetwynd.
The local museum will also be open this weekend for only residents, a gesture intended to bring some normalcy to the town.
Fort St. John Mayor Lilia Hansen issued a statement in support of Tumbler Ridge on Feb. 13, and said they’ll continue to be there to offer resources and compassion.
“We have seen an outpouring of care and support from across the region and country, and we are deeply grateful for the compassion shown by residents, first responders and community partners,” stated Hansen.
“In times like these, the strength of northern communities is reflected in how we come together to support one another.”
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