On the early morning of April 10, 2026, the Lambton College community in Sarnia, Ontario, was shattered by a shooting at the Lion's Den Pub and Grill, the campus bar. The incident, which occurred just before 1 a.m. during a Student Administrative Council event, left one young man dead and two others with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. This heartbreaking event has prompted widespread mourning and renewed discussions about safety on Canadian college campuses.

The tragedy unfolded on the patio area of the bar, a popular spot for students to gather. Sarnia Police Service responded swiftly to reports of gunfire, finding three victims. The critically injured individual was rushed to Bluewater Health Hospital but succumbed to his injuries. The other two young males received treatment for gunshot wounds and are expected to recover. Police have classified the case as a homicide investigation, with no suspects in custody and no weapon recovered as of the latest updates.

Remembering Dane Nisbet: A Life Cut Short

Dane Nisbet, a 20-year-old from Sarnia, has been identified as the victim who lost his life in the shooting. A former student at Lambton College, Nisbet was remembered fondly by those who knew him. He had strong ties to the local hockey community, having played parts of three seasons with the Junior C Mooretown Flags. The club's general manager described him as a 'really nice young man and extremely likeable,' highlighting his positive impact both on and off the ice.

Tributes poured in from the hockey world and beyond. The North Middlesex Stars, another team associated with Nisbet, posted condolences, calling him a 'tough and talented player.' Lambton College issued a statement mourning him as a former student and community member, noting the profound loss felt by all. Local MP Marilyn Gladu expressed heartbreak, offering prayers to his family and friends. Nisbet's death has left a void, underscoring the personal toll of such violence on young lives full of potential.

Lambton College's Swift Response and Campus Closure

Lambton College acted decisively following the shooting. The Sarnia campus was closed on Friday, April 11, with all classes and on-campus activities canceled to allow the community to process the tragedy. Flags were lowered to half-mast in respect for the deceased. The college's statement emphasized that 'the safety of our students, employees, and guests is our highest priority,' and they are cooperating fully with authorities.

The Cestar Group Athletics & Fitness Complex was also shuttered, reflecting the widespread impact. Arrangements were made for virtual and in-person counseling supports over the weekend, demonstrating proactive mental health care. This response aligns with standard protocols for traumatic events in higher education institutions, prioritizing community well-being amid crisis.

Mental Health and Counseling Support at Lambton College

Lambton College offers robust student support services, including the Counselling & Wellness Centre, which provides free personal and mental health counseling. The Lion's Mind program delivers peer-to-peer mental wellness support from day one through graduation. These resources are crucial in the wake of trauma like the shooting, helping students navigate grief, anxiety, and fear.

The college's Mental Health Policy outlines comprehensive support, including academic and personal counseling available to all students. Post-incident, these services were extended, with walk-in options and crisis intervention. Such infrastructure is vital for Canadian colleges, where student mental health challenges are rising, exacerbated by events like campus violence.

The Police Investigation: Seeking Justice

Sarnia Police have deployed extensive resources, including the Emergency Response Team and K9 units, to scour for suspects, victims, or weapons. Forensic teams are processing the scene, expected to take time. Investigators are interviewing witnesses and analyzing evidence. No arrests have been made, and police stress the incident does not appear targeted at the college or random, ruling out political motives. They urge anyone with information or video to come forward.

A news conference was held at 11 a.m. on April 10, where victim identification was announced. The investigation remains active, with a continued police presence on campus. This methodical approach reflects standard homicide probes in Canada, aiming for thoroughness to prevent speculation.

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

Lambton College: A Pillar of Higher Education in Sarnia

Established in 1966, Lambton College is a public institution serving approximately 3,000 full-time students across Sarnia and Mississauga campuses. It offers over 100 programs in business, health sciences, technology, justice, and skilled trades, with strong co-op and industry partnerships. Known for its supportive environment, the college emphasizes student success through modern facilities like the Cestar Centre.

The Sarnia campus, home to the Lion's Den, fosters community via events. This shooting disrupts that vibrancy, highlighting vulnerabilities even in smaller, tight-knit colleges.

Campus Safety Policies at Lambton and Beyond

Lambton College maintains strict policies on workplace violence (Policy 4000-3-4), assessing and addressing threats promptly. Sexual Assault & Sexual Violence Policy (4000-3-9) ensures a violence-free environment. High-Risk Student protocols identify disruptive behavior early. While not explicitly gun-focused, these frameworks cover prevention and response.

In Canada, post-secondary institutions follow provincial guidelines and federal laws on campus safety. Ontario's colleges often partner with local police for training. Gun violence prevention relies on strict firearms laws, but incidents underscore need for enhanced vigilance at social venues like campus bars.

Violence in Canadian Higher Education: Rare but Impactful

Gun violence on Canadian college campuses is exceedingly rare compared to the U.S., thanks to stringent gun control. Statistics Canada data shows homicides low, with firearms involved in ~25% but mostly off-campus. Post-secondary focus has been sexual violence: 11% of female students experience assault.

Physical violence affects 78% of education workers experiencing threats. Recent PSE incidents sparse; this shooting marks a tragic outlier. K-12 saw Tumbler Ridge 2026 (8 killed), but colleges emphasize de-escalation, security cameras, and counseling.

Expert Insights and Prevention Strategies

Experts like those from uOttawa note high violence levels warrant 'hazardous workplace' status for educators. Prevention involves threat assessment teams, mental health integration, and community policing. Colleges like Lambton exemplify by closing campuses and offering counseling. Broader solutions: AI surveillance, staff training, and policy reviews on events with alcohol.

For more on campus mental health, see Campus Mental Health resources.

Community Mourning and Long-Term Implications

Tributes from hockey clubs, college peers, and locals flood social media. Lambton's actions—counseling extension, cooperation—model resilience. This incident prompts reflection on bar security, event vetting, and youth gun access in Ontario. Future: Potential audits, tech upgrades, peer support expansion.

Explore higher ed jobs in Canada at AcademicJobs.ca.

Photo by Laura Rivera on Unsplash

Moving Forward: Strengthening Safety in Canadian Colleges

As investigation continues, Lambton exemplifies crisis leadership. Canadian higher ed must balance vibrant community life with robust safety, investing in prevention amid rare but devastating events. Stakeholders urge vigilance, support, and policy evolution to protect students like Dane.

For career advice in higher ed, visit Higher Ed Career Advice.