La Loche, Sask., staff and students return to school where shooting took place
Community taking steps to rebuild after Jan. 22 tragedy
Tuesday morning marks back to school for staff and students in La Loche, Sask.
It has been nearly nine months since a horrific shooting rocked the northern Saskatchewan village.
On Jan. 22, two staff members were killed and seven people were wounded in a shooting that took place at the community school. In a home nearby, two brothers were found dead.
A 17-year-old is charged in connection with the shooting.
At the time, officials were calling for the school to be torn down.
"I want that school to be rebuilt. Torn down, rebuilt ... because of the trauma," said acting Mayor Kevin Janvier in the wake of the tragedy. He later admitted it was an emotional time and he was committed to rebuilding the community and getting back inside the school.
In late February, the village gathered and walked together during an event to reclaim their school. It was a day of ceremony and since then, the rebuild has continued.
More security and health services
La Loche RCMP have confirmed that a school resource officer will be posted in the building.
In addition to the RCMP officer at the school, officials have said the school division has hired a security service. The high school and Ducharme Elementary School will both have three security staff working in the buildings from morning to evening.
The health region has also hired a suicide prevention worker who will also provide services through the Friendship Centre. Currently, there are two mental health counsellors and two addictions workers that are providing services in the community of La Loche.
Brad Wall visits community
Last month, Premier Brad Wall was in La Loche making a number of announcements to help the community in the wake of the shooting.
"Since the terrible events of last January, the people of La Loche have inspired us with their resilience, unity and optimism," Wall said during his August visit.
Most notably, the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation is starting construction of a 14-unit affordable rental housing project in La Loche in the village's new subdivision. The federal and provincial governments are contributing $1.4 million towards the project.