Emergency Situations
While we cannot always predict when a situation may require us to activate our safety protocols, we can ensure that our schools, staff, students, and families are prepared and understand how to respond.
Our schools regularly review and practice emergency procedures, including fire, earthquake, and lockdown drills. Equally important is our commitment to providing families with clear, timely, and accurate communication when an unexpected situation occurs. I know that in these moments, families want reassurance that their children are safe and information as quickly as possible. In any emergency, our first and immediate priority is securing the safety and well-being of our students and staff. From there, we are committed to sharing accurate information with families as soon as we are able. Our greatest strength in an emergency is a calm, coordinated response and a community connected by trusted information.
When an incident involves the RCMP or Port Moody Police, they are the leads and we must also respect their responsibility for public safety and any active investigation. This may mean there are times when the school district is unable to share specific details. While we understand that waiting for information can be difficult, we are committed to communicating what we can, when we can, while ensuring that safety remains at the center of every decision. Together, through preparation, calm responses, and trusted communication, we can help ensure our schools remain safe, caring, and prepared places for every student.
Fair Notice to Parents/Guardians
The Ministry of Education and Child Care and the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General are sharing information about new provincial firearm laws that will apply to Kindergarten to Grade 12 school property and began October 1, 2026. The Ministry of Education and Child Care recognizes the importance of maintaining safe, welcoming, and supportive learning environments for students, staff and families. As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen safety in schools, we are sharing information from the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General about new provincial firearms laws affecting K-12 school property.
SD43 Board of Education Policy 18 - Violence Intimidation and Possession of Weapons
Starting October 1, 2026, new laws and regulations under the Firearm Violence Prevention Act (FVPA) are coming into effect in B.C. The FVPA further strengthens existing school and district policies banning firearms on school property by providing law enforcement with additional tools to address and enforce firearms-related public safety risks. The FVPA does this by establishing a clear and consistent province-wide prohibition on firearms, lowvelocity firearms (such as BB, pellet, gel, airsoft and paintball guns) and imitation firearms (such as lighters designed to closely resemble firearms) on all K-12 school properties. Some schools regularly support and authorize a wide range of educational, community and special events on school property, including activities that occur outside regular school hours, on evenings, and on weekends. The legislation includes exemptions for certain safe and legitimate activities, including cadet programs. In addition, individuals who are safely transporting firearms, low-velocity firearms or imitation firearms in a vehicle are exempted as long as applicable requirements in the regulations and all other relevant firearms laws are followed (e.g., firearms remain unloaded and safely stored in a locked trunk or container).
For more information on the Firearm Violence Prevention Act and regulations, visit:
Firearm Violence Prevention Act (FVPA) - Province of British Columbia
Starting October 1, 2026, new laws and regulations under the Firearm Violence Prevention Act (FVPA) are coming into effect in B.C. The legislation is intended to address unsafe firearm use and firearm-related violence. The FVPA complements and further strengthens existing legislation and school and district policies banning firearms on school property by providing law enforcement with additional tools to address and enforce firearm-related public safety risks. The FVPA does this by establishing a clear and consistent province-wide prohibition on firearms, low-velocity firearms (such as BB, pellet, gel, airsoft and paintball guns) and imitation firearms (such as lighters designed to closely resemble firearms) on all K-12 school properties. The goal of these new laws is to promote greater public safety by keeping firearms and objects that look like firearms out of schools. Some schools regularly support and authorize a wide range of educational, community and special events on school property, including activities that occur outside regular school hours, on evenings, and on weekends. The legislation includes narrow exemptions for certain safe and legitimate activities using firearms, low-velocity or imitation firearms. Examples of activities that may be eligible for an exemption include: • Cadet programs • Biathlon demonstrations or events • Cinematic, theatrical, film, or artistic activities or performances • Educational activities (e.g., firearms safety training) In addition, individuals who are safely transporting firearms, low-velocity firearms, or imitation firearms in a vehicle are exempted as long as applicable requirements in the regulations and all other relevant firearms laws are followed (e.g., firearms remain unloaded and safely stored in a locked trunk or container). Anyone who illegally possesses a firearm, low-velocity firearm, or imitation firearm on school property without a valid exemption may have these items confiscated, forfeited and disposed of by law enforcement, and if convicted of an offence, may face fines and serious penalties under the FVPA.
For more information on the Firearm Violence Prevention Act and regulations, visit:
Firearm Violence Prevention Act (FVPA) - Province of British Columbia