Update 12:00 p.m. Sept. 5
The conservation officer has informed SD46 that the grizzly bear has been captured and relocated. The Shelter-in-Place has been lifted from Gibsons Elementary School, Sunshine Coast Alternative School Gibsons and Elphinstone Secondary School and Cedar Grove Elementary and Langdale Elementary are able to resume nature walks and activities in the wooded areas.
Original Story
Several schools in the upper Gibsons area have been placed under Shelter-in-Place procedures because a grizzly bear that recently entered the community was spotted nearby.
School District 46 communications officer Stephanie Murawsky told Coast Reporter three schools are following advice from local Conservation Officers, Gibsons Elementary School, Sunshine Coast Alternative School Gibsons and Elphinstone Secondary School and are under Shelter-in-Place – this means students and staff must stay inside the buildings, but can carry on normal activities in classrooms and move around throughout the school.
Murawsky said Cedar Grove Elementary and Langdale Elementary have been given the same information but the conservation officer said at this time that they can continue to use their playgrounds, but not to venture into the wooded areas. Nature walks have also been put on hold.
The email SD46 sent to parents explained the conservation officer has asked the community, especially students, to follow the provided guidelines for the next 24 hours:
- Students should avoid all trails in the area and walk on roadways instead.
- Students walking to and from school should do so in groups of two or more.
- The community is encouraged to bring their dogs on a leash while walking to and from the school and make lots of noise if seeing wildlife.
- These recommendations have been shared with students and staff. In addition, we have taken the learning opportunity to talk with students about wildlife safety.
- For more tips and information about staying safe around wildlife, visit: https://wildsafebc.com/species/grizzly-bear/.
- If you spot a bear in the vicinity of the school, or in the nearby neighbourhood, the Wildlife Conservation Office has requested you call the R.A.P.P line at 1-877-952-7277 to report the sighting
The letter to parents says they are free to pick up their children if they are concerned about them walking home.
Jordan Copp is the Coast Reporter’s civic and Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
