Daily Digest — Feb 12, 2026 — British Columbia

Heartbreaking loss in Tumbler Ridge — Sarah Lampert, mother of 12-year-old Ticaria “Tiki,” says her family is “shattered” after the Feb. 10 school shooting that left eight people dead and dozens injured. A community vigil is set for Feb. 13 and Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to attend; a GoFundMe has been set up to help with funeral costs.

A father’s sorrow and new details about the shooter — Justin VanRootselaar, the biological father of 18-year-old Jesse VanRootselaar, issued a statement saying he was estranged from Jesse and “carries a sorrow.” Police say firearms were seized from the home a few years ago and later returned, the shooter’s gun licence expired in 2024, and the teen had past mental‑health concerns and police contact.

Stolen adaptive bikes hit Kelowna disability community hard — At least a dozen specialized adaptive cycles, each worth $5,000–$35,000, were stolen from Adaptive Adventures in Kelowna, costing an estimated $250,000 and forcing the non‑profit to cut spring programs for its 1,000+ members. Executive director Tim Ropchan says the theft is “theft of access” to the outdoors for vulnerable people; RCMP are investigating.

Students recount terrifying lockdown at Tumbler Ridge Secondary — Grade 11 student Duncan Mckay and others describe alarms on Feb. 10 around 1:30 p.m., a two‑hour 40‑minute lockdown, barricaded doors and seeing bullet‑damaged windows; five students and a teacher were killed at the school. Survivors report lasting shock and councillors have been offered; the community is seeking long‑term support.

MP Bob Zimmer: community resilient but needs help — Prince George—Peace River—Northern Rockies MP Bob Zimmer says Tumbler Ridge (about 2,500 people) is “tough” and needs mental‑health support after eight killed and roughly 25 injured on Feb. 10. Flags have been lowered to half‑mast for seven days and Zimmer is coordinating supports with provincial and federal leaders, who will attend a vigil on Feb. 13.

Experts: mental‑health care is essential after the shooting — Mental‑health leaders stress the need for quick, confidential supports in small towns like Tumbler Ridge (approx. 2,700 people) and note barriers such as distance and stigma. Northern Health extended clinic hours, set up drop‑in appointments and a shuttle to Fort St. John while calling for in‑person and virtual services for the community.

Who were the victims — A roundup of victims killed Feb. 10 includes children Kylie (12), Ticaria/Tiki (12), Zoey (12), Abel Mwansa Jr (12), Ezekiel Schofield (13), educational assistant Shannda Aviugana‑Durand (39), plus the shooter’s mother Jennifer (39) and an 11‑year‑old boy found at a residence. A vigil is planned for Feb. 13; PM Mark Carney is scheduled to attend.

Restaurants say tips vanished from third‑party program — Businesses across B.C. report missing staff tips from Everyday Payments (XTM platform); Container Brewing lost $3,100 and Whistler restaurants reported $4,550 or more missing. XTM’s Q3 filing shows a $71M accumulated deficit, the RCMP is investigating, and the Bank of Canada is looking into compliance of payment providers.

Student fears returning to school after massacre — Grade 12 student Darian Quist, who was in mechanics class during the Feb. 10 lockdown, says returning will be “tough” after five students and a teacher were killed and about 25 others injured. Schools are closed for the week, counsellors are being offered, and Prime Minister Carney will visit the town on Feb. 13.

B.C. mourns as leaders visit Tumbler Ridge — Premier David Eby attended a vigil Feb. 11 and called Tumbler Ridge an “incredibly strong community” while acknowledging deep shock after six died at the school and two at a home; the shooter, Jesse VanRootselaar, was found dead of an apparent self‑inflicted wound. Officials promise long‑term supports for families, students and first responders.

Good news for fans: Hilary Duff announces world tour with 9 Canadian stops — The Lucky Me World Tour kicks off June 22, 2026, in West Palm Beach, and hits nine Canadian cities including Toronto (Aug. 12, 2026), Vancouver (Jan. 22, 2027) and Montreal (Feb. 5, 2027). La Roux and Jade LeMac open 2026 dates; Duff’s new album Luck... Or Something arrives Feb. 20.

Federal leaders, including PM Carney, to attend vigil Friday — All federal party leaders accepted PM Mark Carney’s Feb. 13 invitation to join a Tumbler Ridge vigil; flags at federal buildings will fly at half‑mast for seven days. The B.C. government declared a day of mourning, the legislature paused its throne speech, and international tributes (including U.S. missions lowering flags) followed.

A father’s message about grief and forgiveness after a 1999 school shooting — Retired reverend Dale Lang, who lost his 17‑year‑old son Jason in the 1999 Taber, Alta., school killing, says forgiveness helped his family heal; the 14‑year‑old shooter was sentenced to three years in custody and seven years of probation. Lang has written about the experience in the book Jason Has Been Shot! and urges communities to support students returning to school.