02/13/2026
Community Vigil – Important Information for Residents and Visitors
As our community prepares to gather tonight, we want to share important information to help ensure the event proceeds safely, respectfully, and with the dignity this moment deserves.
Parking & Access
If you are travelling from outside Tumbler Ridge to attend the vigil, please park at the Co-op Cardlock, Golf Course, or Tumbler Ridge Museum to keep the downtown parking areas available for our residents. Buses will transport passengers starting around 16:00 from pickup locations to the downtown pickup/drop-off at the intersection of Southgate and Iles Way. We ask those who are able to walk to do so in order to help manage traffic flow and reduce congestion near the event site. There will be no parking on Main Street or Iles Way after 13:00. There will be a road closure in the downtown area from 15:00.
Respecting the Space
This vigil is a time for reflection, remembrance, and unity. We ask all attendees to respect the space, the speakers, and the families directly impacted. Please allow speakers to be heard without interruption and help maintain a quiet, supportive environment for those who are grieving. Please dress warmly as this is an outdoor event. There will be an area designated and marked for Tumbler Ridge residents, please respect that this area is only for community members.
Media Reminder
We understand the national interest in this tragedy. We ask the public to understand that the media will be present. However, we ask members of the media to approach this event with sensitivity and care. Our community is grieving. Many residents are navigating profound loss and trauma. We respectfully ask the media to provide space and privacy to families, students, and residents, and to avoid approaching individuals who may not wish to speak. Please note that the Tumbler Ridge Community Centre is not available for media access. Media are asked to respect this restriction and refrain from entering the facility or approaching individuals inside.
Visitors & Public Officials
We expect the presence of provincial and federal representatives. They are here to support our community and stand with us during this difficult time. They are not here in a partisan capacity. We ask attendees to maintain focus on remembrance and unity.
Police Presence
Residents may notice an increased police presence in town. This presence is precautionary and intended to support public safety and event coordination. There is no ongoing threat. Officers are here to help ensure a safe and orderly gathering. We recognize that this may feel unfamiliar or overwhelming for some, and we appreciate your understanding as we prioritize community safety.
We continue to encourage everyone to rely only on verified updates from the RCMP and the District of Tumbler Ridge.
Today, we come together as a community - strong, resilient, and united in our grief. We have received messages of support from communities across British Columbia and Canada. We are deeply grateful for the compassion and solidarity being shown to Tumbler Ridge during this heartbreaking time.
Further updates will be shared here as needed.
