Mayor changes plea for La Loche school demolition

It was a few short weeks ago that the La Loche mayor said he wanted to see the high school torn down to help the community heal after a tragic shooting.

Two of the four victims were killed at the La Loche Community School’s Dene High School building, and seven others were injured there.

On Thursday, Kevin Janvier said to CKOM Saskatoon Afternoon host David Kirton that he has rethought his position.

“Everybody was shocked in La Loche. It was still fresh when I made that announcement,” he said.

“It’s really important the education remains the top priority and we can’t be stalling.”

Earlier this week, Premier Brad Wall said it would be unlikely the school would be demolished, but added the Northern Lights School Division would have the final say.

The school division is also working towards a strategy of when they will reopen the school. A previous statement said the school wouldn’t reopen until Feb. 22 at the earliest.

As for the community, Janvier said the support they have received from across Saskatchewan and Canada has been felt.

“It’s getting better by the day, absolutely. We are slowly healing.”