Brighton Mayor Brian Ostrander has reached out personally to the community of Tumbler Ridge in British Columbia after this week’s tragic shootings there.
In a letter shared to Ostrander’s social media and addressed to Mayor Darryl Krakowka in the District of Tumbler Ridge, Ostrander offers Brighton’s support to the grieving community.
“On behalf of the Municipality of Brighton, our council and our residents, I wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to you and to the entire community of Tumbler Ridge during this profoundly difficult time,” wrote Ostrander.
“News of the recent tragedy affecting your community has resonated deeply with all of us,” he said. “The scale of loss and grief experienced in Tumbler Ridge has touched people far beyond your district.
“Please know that Brighton stands in full solidarity with your community as you navigate the days and weeks ahead.”
As previously – and widely reported – this tragedy is believed to have involved one of the deadliest school shootings and mass killings in Canadian history and has shaken residents across the nation.
National media reports point to nine deaths in total – including the accused shooter who police later identified as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar – and more than 25 people were injured. The investigation is still continuing.
“In times such as these, the resilience and unity of a community become its greatest strength,” wrote Ostrander. “It is clear that Tumbler Ridge continues to demonstrate compassion, courage, and determination in the face of unimaginable hardship.
“We hold deep respect for the leadership you have shown and for the tireless efforts of your first responders, educators, support workers and volunteers who are carrying such a heavy burden in service of others.”
While offering “our sincere sympathies and our unwavering support,” Ostrander also went on to say: “Should there be any way our municipality can assist – symbolically or practically – please do not hesitate to reach out.”
Other area leaders have also been speaking up, like Northumberland-Clarke MP Philip Lawrence, who called the news coming out of B.C. “absolutely devastating.”
“My prayers are with the families and staff affected by this terrible tragedy,” he said.
Lawrence has since also issued a notice saying his office will be collecting notes, pictures, cards and thoughts of encouragement or condolences to send to Tumbler Ridge Secondary School at the appropriate time.
For those who would like to send a card, they’re asked to mail or drop it off at Lawrence’s Cobourg office (12 Elgin St. E., Unit 4, Cobourg, ON, K9A 0C5.)
Since the news reverberated across Canada, flags across Northumberland and Quinte at municipal, county buildings and the like have been lowered as the nation mourns.
Bay of Quinte MP Chris Malette also said he was “heartbroken” to learn about the tragic shootings.
“My deepest sympathies are with the families and friends grieving unimaginable loss,” he wrote online. “Communities across Canada stand with you in sorrow and support.
“I am also deeply grateful for the courage and selflessness of the first-responders who put themselves in harm’s way to protect others,” said Malette.
Prime Minister Mark Carney is also expected to travel to B.C. Friday to attend a vigil for the victims of Tuesday’s shooting.
