Monday February 16, 2026 | TUMBLER RIDGE, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
The first temporary school facilities (aka portable classrooms) began arriving in Tumbler Ridge today, on BC Family Day.
The new facilities for students of Tumbler Ridge Secondary will be set up on the grounds of Tumbler Ridge Elementary.
The first “single-wide” trailers to arrive will be the first phase in the resumption of classes in a safe environment for Tumbler Ridge Secondary students following the mass shooting at their regular school on February 10.
“We know routine and community are important to many in the aftermath of a tragedy and we know change can cause uncertainty,” said Peace River South School District 59 (SD59) Board Chair Chad Anderson.
“We are continuing to use a compassionate, trauma-informed approach that includes providing updates to the school community, families and the public about a planned return to school in the coming days,” said Anderson in a news release issued by the Ministry of Education and Child Care today together with the Ministry of Infrastructure and SD59.
“As we prepare to restart classes, the safety and wellness of students, staff and the whole school community continue to guide everything we do,” said Anderson.
Setup phase:
The first buildings to arrive at the new site will be the bathroom trailers, followed by the classroom units tomorrow and Wednesday (February 17 and 18). There will be 14 units in total.
It is expected to take several days to set the units up for water and heating and to furnish them for returning students and staff, depending on weather conditions and other factors.
Returning to class:
A date for classes to resume in Tumbler Ridge has not yet been confirmed, says the education ministry.
“School officials recognize and respect the fact that some members of our school communities are looking forward to getting together again soon, while others may need more time,” the government said.
Next-phase setup:
Work to prepare a more permanent learning space with more spacious “double-wide” school trailers has begun at the elementary school site.
These structures are set to arrive in the coming weeks and will serve Tumbler Ridge Secondary until community input, expert advice and future plans can be confirmed, the provincial government stated today.
Some of this consultation would have begun last week when Premier David Eby visited in Tumbler Ridge with the Public Safety Minister on February 11 and again with the Ministers of Health and Education and Child Care on February 13.
“We are working around the clock to ensure the school district has what they need to support students and their families,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure.
“I am grateful for the effort and coordination from all the partners who’ve come together to make these temporary spaces happen, including Peace River South School District 59, staff from the ministries of Education and Child Care and Infrastructure, BC Wildfire Service, Fort Modular, ATCO Structures, CBRE and DBI Transport,” said Ma.
Counsellors will support staff and students in the safe transition to these new buildings. Once classes resume, counsellors will continue to be available at the new school site. Counselling and trauma supports continue to be available at Tumbler Ridge Community Centre.
“I want to thank, from the bottom of my heart, every person who has been supporting the community of Tumbler Ridge,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care.
“Thank you to School District 59 and the Board of Education who have been working closely with the Ministry of Education and Child Care to ensure students, families, teachers and staff will have a safe transition back to school when they are ready. Thank you to the Safer Schools Together team for your expertise, ensuring a trauma-informed response has guided our actions,” said Beare in today’s news release.
SD59 schedule:
The Peace River South School District and the Province will continue to update students, parents, educators and the community on next steps as the community begins to heal and re-establish a sense of safety.
The SD59 board meeting that was scheduled for February 18 has been postponed; new date to be announced.
The last in-class day before spring break is Friday March 13 with students getting back to class on Monday March 30.
===== RELATED:
- Tumbler Ridge vigil with prime minister, federal & provincial leaders (February 14, 2026)
- BC Lieutenant Governor delivers message of care to Tumbler Ridge community (February 12, 2026)
- Prime Minister Carney to visit Tumbler Ridge on Friday (February 12, 2026)
- Day-after: Premier Eby addresses media from Tumbler Ridge (February 11, 2026)
- Tributes in the House of Commons about Tumbler Ridge shooting (February 11, 2026)
- Federal ministers head to Tumbler Ridge with BC Premier & Safety Minister (February 11, 2026)
- BC Premier Eby on the Tumbler Ridge shooting (February 10, 2026)
- NEWS SECTIONS: SCHOOL DISTRICT 59 TUMBLER RIDGE | SCHOOL DISTRICTS | K-12 EDUCATION