Demolition Underway at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School Months After February Tragedy

TUMBLER RIDGE, B.C. — Demolition is now underway at the site of the Feb. 10, 2026 shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School that left eight people dead and traumatized the community deeply.

The excavators have begun to take parts of the school building out – a big step toward the planned demolition of the present building.
On Aug. 11 superintendent Christy Fennell updated the Tumbler Ridge community to say work on removing the exterior of the school was scheduled to begin on Monday, Aug. 17. The building is being dismantled in stages and this is expected to take several weeks.
When the structure is fully removed, restoration work will continue through the fall with plans to return the site to grass.
Officials have said that the work is being done carefully and in phases, with measures to minimize disruption and respect the privacy of those involved.
The school was the scene of the Feb. 10 tragedy, after the gunwoman’s mother and brother were shot and killed at a nearby home. Then the violence spread to the school where five children and an education assistant were killed. The 18-year-old shooter later took his own life, police say.
Following the tragedy, provincial and federal governments pledged funds to build a new Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in a different location. Earlier officials had said the decision to remove the existing school was taken following consultations with victims, their families and the wider community. They requested it be removed quickly and through a trauma-informed lens. The school district also said building materials from the demolition will be taken to regional landfills. The materials will not go to the Tumbler Ridge landfill.
The school district knew that for many in the community, seeing the building change would be a big deal and said the update was being provided in advance so that students, families, staff and residents would know what to expect.
“We understand the significance of this moment,” Fennell said in the community update, thanking residents for their continued care, compassion and understanding.
Demolition will continue over the next few weeks and the site will be cleared and restored and the vision for a new school will move forward, a process that was a tough chapter for Tumbler Ridge and the beginning of a new one.”
Source: School District 59 Peace River South
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Alberta Time: No More Clock Changes
Alberta is moving to permanent Alberta Time. No more clock changes twice a year.
In the old days, Albertans set their clocks forward in the spring for Daylight Saving Time and back to Mountain Standard Time in the fall.

From November 2026 clocks will not be turned back. Alberta will stay on Alberta Time all year.
📍 No more “fall back” in Alberta!
Source: Government of Alberta
Dawson Creek Exhibition & Stampede 2026: Five Days of Western Fun, Community and Celebration
The Dawson Creek Exhibition & Stampede united the Peace Region for five days of agriculture, western tradition, entertainment, competition and family fun from August 5-9, 2026.
For the second year in a row the “Greatest Show in the Peace” brought the Dawson Creek Exhibition grounds to life with activities for all ages.

Arena Battle
One of the biggest highlights was the exciting lineup of western sports such as Canadian Pro Rodeo, Ranch Rodeo, kids’ rodeo events, relay racing and chuckwagon racing. Races took place throughout the five-day celebration and included the World Professional Chuckwagon Association and All Pro Chuckwagons.

There were plenty of opportunities also for kids to get involved with events like the Junior Rodeo, Kids Wild Horse Race and Mutton Bustin’ giving young participants their own chance to experience the excitement of the Stampede. (Dawson Creek Exhibition Association )
Honouring Agriculture & Horses
The Exhibition maintained its strong agricultural focus with horse shows, livestock events, agricultural displays and competitions. The displays highlighted the hard work, skills and traditions that continue to be an important part of life in the Peace region
Family Fun and Fair Vibes

Outside the arena, families enjoyed the midway, food and trade fair booths, children’s activities and the many sights and sounds that make the Exhibition a summer tradition.
The five-day event was from Wednesday thru Sunday, giving residents and visitors plenty of time to check out the fairgrounds and enjoy the festivities.
Community Celebration Day
From the excitement of the rodeo and chuckwagon races, to the agricultural displays, horse events, children’s activities and community gatherings, the 2026 Dawson Creek Exhibition & Stampede once again celebrated the spirit, traditions and community pride of the Peace Region.

As the gates closed August 9, the 2026 Exhibition left behind another collection of memories: cheering crowds and big arena moments to family outings, smiling faces and the unmistakable energy of summer in Dawson Creek.
Until next year, Dawson Creek—thanks for another unforgettable Exhibition & Stampede!
For more photos please visit: Peacefm/Chettv facebook page.
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Planned Power Outages Set for Chetwynd This August
CHETWYND, B.C. — BC Hydro is advising residents of Chetwynd to expect a number of planned power outages as the utility carries out maintenance and infrastructure work in the community over the month of August.
Chetwynd customers will see three planned outages between August 6 and August 12. Crews will be working at various locations in the community. On its current list of power outages, BC Hydro describes the work as planned maintenance on its equipment.

The scheduled Chetwynd outages are:
- Thursday, August 6: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Friday, August 7: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, August 12: 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
The outages are part of planned work by BC Hydro, which includes maintenance and infrastructure upgrades. Planned outages allow crews to safely do work that can help maintain and improve the reliability of the electrical system.
The Peace Region is projected to see the most planned outages during this time with over 2,500 customers across the region expected to be part of planned work between late July and Aug. 12. Other impacted communities include Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, Fort Nelson and Hudsons Hope.
Please plan ahead and take note of the scheduled interruptions. Customers who rely on electricity to operate critical equipment should make alternative arrangements prior to the disconnection.
BC Hydro also suggests having an emergency kit on hand that includes flashlights, extra batteries, bottled water and non-perishable food.
Customers can view the latest outage information, including any changes to scheduled outage times, on BC Hydro’s outage list.
Peace FM/Chet TV will continue to keep the community updated on important local notices and developments.
Source: BC Hydro & Energetic City
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38th Annual Westmo Days Brings Community Together in a Weekend of Culture and Celebration
West Moberly First Nations, B.C. – A lively weekend of culture, recreation, entertainment and friendly competition July 24-26, 2026 had community members, neighbouring residents and visitors coming together for the 38th Annual Westmo Days.

The three-day celebration began Friday with event registration, a Friendship Feast, entertainment and tournament play. Over the weekend, participants engaged in horseshoe and volleyball tournaments, axe throwing, bow and arrow competitions, tea boiling, bannock making, the West Moberly Shootout, canoe races, tug-of-war, leg wrestling and other traditional and community activities.

Families could also explore the Kids Zone, shop at the market’s local vendors and take helicopter rides, adding to the excitement of the annual event.One of the highlights of this year’s celebration was the live evening performance by acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriter Kyle McKearney, who kept the crowd entertained with his blend of Americana, country and roots music.Beyond the competitions and entertainment, Westmo Days also took time to celebrate the rich traditions, culture and strong sense of community that define West Moberly First Nations. The event was an opportunity for people from all walks of life to get together, see old friends and relatives, and create memories that would last a lifetime.

Peace FM & CHET TV were proud to be on location all weekend to capture the festivities and share the celebration with the Peace Region.The 38th Annual Westmo Days was another memorable celebration of community spirit and cultural pride, made possible through the dedication of organizers, volunteers, participants, sponsors and everyone who attended.
For More Photos visit: Peacefm/Chettv Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/share/1HTp7nifmn/?
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