Communities Across Canada Mourn Victims of Tumbler Ridge School Shooting

Communities across Canada, including Chestermere, are mourning alongside residents of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, following a deadly shooting that unfolded at a local secondary school on Feb. 10.
RCMP say officers received a report of an active shooter at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School at approximately 1:20 p.m. Pacific Time. Police from the local detachment and nearby units responded immediately, issuing a public alert and moving to secure the building while evacuating students and staff.
Authorities later confirmed multiple casualties at the school and at a related residence in the community. Nine victims were killed, including five students and a teacher at the school, along with two individuals at a home connected to the incident. The suspect, an 18-year-old former student, was also found deceased from what investigators described as a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
In addition to the fatalities, more than two dozen people were injured. Several victims required hospital treatment, with some transported by air ambulance due to the severity of their injuries.
Police recovered two firearms at the scene and have stated that determining how the weapons were obtained remains part of the ongoing investigation. Investigators believe the suspect acted alone, and the motive has not been established.
The violence has shaken the small northern B.C. community of roughly 2,700 residents, with schools closing for the remainder of the week and counselling supports made available to students and families. National and provincial leaders expressed condolences as the tragedy sparked mourning across the country.
Educational organizations across Canada responded with messages of solidarity and concern. In Alberta, Rocky View Schools expressed sorrow over the incident and emphasized its commitment to student well-being, noting that events of this nature are deeply distressing for those dedicated to maintaining safe learning environments.
Mental-health supports are being promoted for those affected by the news, including resources such as Kids Help Phone, Alberta 211, Health Link 811, and regional distress lines. Officials continue to encourage individuals struggling with the emotional impact of the event to seek assistance.
As the investigation continues, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability shared by communities far beyond the scene itself. The loss of young lives and educators resonates across provinces, leaving educators, families, and civic leaders grappling with grief while emphasizing compassion, support, and resilience in the days ahead.