Hold and Secure Implemented at Six Bow Valley Schools

Six schools across Canmore and Banff were placed under a “Hold and Secure” protocol after officials received a report of a situation that “potentially could result in unwanted action” at one of the schools.

From approximately 11:00 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. on February 27, Lawrence Grassi Middle School, Alpenglow School, Canmore Community High School, Elizabeth Rummel School, Banff Community High School and Banff Elementary School restricted access to their buildings while the RCMP investigated.

In an email to families, Canadian Rockies Public Schools Superintendent Debbie McKibbin said the measure was taken “as a matter of an overabundance of caution.”

“The Hold and Secure gave the RCMP time to investigate the situation,” McKibbin wrote. “We remained in this protocol until such time as the RCMP determined it was safe to resume our normal routine.”

The Banff RCMP Detachment later confirmed in a brief statement that the Hold and Secure had been lifted and that “there is no risk to the public.”

No additional details about the nature of the reported situation have been released.

What “Hold and Secure” Means

In a separate communication sent to some parents, a school principal emphasized that a Hold and Secure is distinct from a lockdown.

A Hold and Secure is initiated when there is no immediate or imminent danger inside the school itself. Its purpose is to limit access to the building while an external situation is addressed. In the Feb. 27 case, the principal wrote that it was “a Hold and Secure related to an external matter,” and added that “CRPS was restricted from providing specific details as it was being handled by the RCMP.” During a Hold and Secure, exterior doors are locked and entry and exit are restricted, but classes continue as usual inside.

The principal’s letter also outlined that the protocol can be used in a range of situations that do not involve an active threat to the school. Examples listed included a medical emergency in a corridor, such as a seizure where privacy is needed until assistance arrives; an upset individual in an office or another room where exposure to students is being limited; or restricting access to and from a school until an outside situation is resolved, including matters handled by the RCMP or wildlife officials.

By contrast, a lockdown is used when there is an immediate threat inside or in the direct vicinity of the school. In those cases, interior and exterior doors are locked, lights are turned off and students and staff move to secure areas away from windows and doors.

On Friday, officials said learning continued uninterrupted. Students remained in their classrooms, and staff worked to maintain what the superintendent described as “a calm, productive environment.”

“Our students did an excellent job following instructions, and our staff remained focused on maintaining a calm, productive environment. We are grateful for the quick response and guidance provided by the RCMP, which allowed us to manage the situation effectively,” McKibbin wrote.

Parents Seek Reassurance

While many parents expressed gratitude that the situation ended quietly, the lack of specifics fueled debate in local Facebook groups.

“No one has any insight so far. Parents even have called RCMP for further info and been given nothing.”

Another parent said that, coming just weeks after the fatal school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., limited communication can intensify anxiety.

“With everyone on a heightened reaction after this past months events a lack of communication only creates speculation.”

Others urged restraint.

A former superintendent of Canadian Rockies Public Schools, Christopher MacPhee, weighed in to caution that when police investigations are involved, legal and confidentiality limits often restrict what administrators can disclose.

“The level of information that could have been provided was done so in the letter,” MacPhee said.

Still, some parents said that even a clearer explanation about why details could not be shared would have helped.

“I have an anxious child who just heard about a school shooting, then gets thrown into this protocol with no explanation, which was followed by screaming in the hallway. We shouldn't be left to assume, what's so hard about saying ‘we cannot offer details at this time as its a private or personal matter’?”

As of Sunday evening, no further information had been released by the RCMP or Canadian Rockies Public Schools about what prompted the precaution.