‘We just want to be there for the families’: Touching stories of neighbours leaning on each other after Tumbler Ridge shooting

Residents of Tumbler Ridge tell Kathy Le about how the tragedy has shaken every family, with healing expected to take effort from the entire community.

The small community of Tumbler Ridge is broken and still trying to comprehend the depth of sorrow it is experiencing after eight people, most of them children, were shot on Tuesday. The tight knit community of 2,400 residents is leaning on one another for support.

For Amber Bell, owner of Northstar Kitchen and Catering, helping others begins in her kitchen.

“My daughter, my husband and I went around to every single house last night,” Bell said.

“We just want to be there for the families, and we just want to be able to provide them with meals and food. That’s all I know how to do.”

Bell’s two children were in class when the shooting happened. They made it home safely. But she is grieving for the young lives lost, children she knew personally.

“They were all so amazing in their own right. For us personally, the loss of Kylie is devastating. She is like family. I’ve known her my whole life,” Bell sobbed.

In a place where many residents know each other by name, the loss feels intensely personal.

Tracy Krauss, a pastor at New Life Assembly Church, said healing will take time.

“When healing does take place, you will still have that scar. You know it’s never going to go away. Like we’re forever changed. Forever.”

Support has also come from beyond the town limits.

Fred Weiss, executive director of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in Canada, based out of Calgary, said crisis response teams were invited by local churches.

“We come alongside communities in times of disaster, crisis and tragedy. Our role is to offer emotional support, comfort, spiritual care and prayer,” said Weiss.

“Our mobile ministry centre arrived there today. We had chaplains in yesterday as well.”

Weiss said they will stay in Tumbler Ridge as long as they are needed.

Meanwhile, a memorial of flowers, candles and teddy bears continues to grow, a visible symbol of the grief and solidarity binding the town together.

Residents say while Tumbler Ridge may never be the same, no one is facing the pain alone.

“I feel the support. I can feel the love of the country and our community,” Bell said.