Tumbler Ridge, BC: Crisis Resources
- BOLT Safety
- Feb 12
- 3 min read
CW: Discussion of mass and other forms of violence
This resource was initially created in response to the Tumbler Ridge tragedy in February of 2026, where the community witnessed one of the deadliest school shootings in Canadian history.
If someone’s life is in danger, call 911 immediately.
Who this resource is for: those affected by violence in Tumbler Ridge, BC
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
Survivors may feel vulnerable, angry, confused, depressed, or another way after experiencing violence. There are mental health professionals who can help with the healing process, but more immediately, survivors may find comfort in their chosen ‘Safe Buddies’, which include trusted friends or family members.
Crisis Lines
For mental health related support and helplines, the Government of BC has shared the following hotlines:
Mental Health Crisis Line: 310-6789
National Suicide Crisis Line: 9-8-8
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868
Kuu-us Indigenous Crisis Line: 1-800-588-8717
Coping After a Traumatic Event
Full resource from HealthLink BC:
It is normal to experience emotional, behavioural, and physical changes after experiencing a traumatic event, like:
Feeling hopelessness or numbness
Withdrawing from social connections, getting flashbacks to the incident(s)
Having trouble sleeping, eating
Experiencing fatigue, headaches, dizziness that can’t otherwise be explained
Healthy ways of coping can include:
Speaking with a counselor
Referrals can be obtained from your family physician
Can also contact the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA): https://cmha.ca/find-help/find-cmha-in-your-area/
Connecting with family, friends, or a support group
Eating balanced meals and sleeping adequately
Physical exercise (going on walks, playing sports)
Being kind to yourself and giving yourself time and space to heal
Avoid relying on substances, like alcohol, to cope
Police Victim Services
Tumbler Ridge RCMP Victim/Witness Services
Phone: 250-368-2184
Victim Rights in BC: https://www.policevictimservices.bc.ca/victims-rights/
About: Is a police-based victim services program.
Crime Victim Assistance Program
Toll-free line: 1 866 660-3888
About: The program helps victims, families, and witnesses of crime get benefits to cope with the material, psychological, medical, and other impacts of the crime.
OTHER CRISIS TOOLS
Resources to support those affected by other crises beyond the school shooting.
Shelter
South Peace Community Resources: Safe House
Phone: (250) 242-5989
About: Provides temporary safe shelter for women and their dependent children who are at risk of violence or have experienced violence. Emergency response available 24/7.
Stopping the Violence Counselling
South Peace Community Resources: Safe House
Phone: (250) 242-8314
About: Provides individual therapeutic counselling for female survivors of abuse, assault and intimate partner violence.
Service Databases
BC 211
Website: bc.211.ca
About: A database of resources, which can be filtered based on region and service type.
Indigenous Organizations and Services in BC
About: A database of First Nations and Métis organizations and services covering needs like housing, women and children, health and healing.
BEING AN ALLY
If you’re worried about the safety and wellbeing of a loved one, how can you help? Be kind, understanding, and above all else, non-judgmental.
If their life is in danger, call 911. Otherwise, you can share resources and information, like this article, to help guide and inform their decision.
For a victim / survivor of violence: As an ally, you can offer support and accompaniment as they engage with professional support services – such as going with them to a counselling appointment, or staying next to them while they call a crisis line.
References and sources for further reading:
If you know of a resource that should be included here, please email our team at info@boltsafety.org
In solidarity,
The team at BOLT Safety Society