As B.C. marks a Day of Mourning for the victims of the Tumbler Ridge mass shooting, people across the province are supporting the community through makeshift memorials and candlelight vigils.

Coined as one of the worst mass shootings in Canadian history, the attack claimed the lives of 9 people, including the suspected shooter, and left much of the province in shock.

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Hope Byrne is organizing a vigil at Skaha Lake Park in Penticton this weekend. She says that they cannot fathom what families in Tumbler Ridge are going through.

“This is not something you expect to happen in your own backyard, especially in a small, rural community such as Tumbler Ridge,” said Byrne.

Byrne adds that a memorial has been set up at Skaha Lake Park, featuring flowers, a stuffed animal and a sign reading ‘Tumbler Ridge Strong’.

She believes they need to hold a time for the victims and families impacted by the shooting.

“My husband stopped in at the memorial site this morning to check on things, and there was a retired teacher there showing her respect, and they got to talking, and she was in tears. Sometimes we don’t have explanations. Bad things can just happen, and there is no rational explanation for it.”

“No words can describe how deeply impactful this is to everybody in Canada, and I think it’s pretty unimaginable.”

Residents in Grande Cache are hosting their own vigil on Thursday night at Central Park.

Organizer Kalynee Layes says that she is friends with the family of Maya Gebala, a 12-year-old girl shot twice in the attack, now fighting for her life in a hospital.

“It’s been tough,” said Layes. “I’ve just been trying to be supportive and be there, give them anything that they need and make this difficult time any easier.”

Layes says the attack hits close to home for many in Grande Cache, adding the response from the community and province has been amazing.

“I think [the support] has been way more than I anticipated, especially for the outpouring, the donations, all the GoFundMes set up for everybody affected.”

“I think Canada has really come together for Tumbler Ridge, to show that they support them and we are here for them.”

Layes encourages locals to stand together, pray, and hold space to grieve following the shooting.

New Westminster mayor Patrick Johnstone says a candlelight vigil will be held on the front steps of City Hall, with mental health supports available for attendees.

“I think people just want to share that grief, want to carry some of the burden…and want to make sure people in Tumbler Ridge know that we are with them,” said Johnstone. “They are not alone.”

Johnstone hopes people take the time to ruminate on the impacts the shooting has on Tumbler Ridge.

Additional vigils have also taken place outside the B.C. Legislature in Victoria, Prince George, Quesnel, and Clearwater.