Radium Hot pool - winter of 2019 -- LNN

By Wylie Henderson with files from Dori Modney

Radium Hot Springs pools reopen after 8-month shut down

Sep 18, 2020 | 4:08 PM

RADIUM HOT SPRINGS, B.C. — The pools at Radium Hot Springs reopened on Friday, Sept 18, for the first time since January.

The pool operators hoped to keep the pool open last winter while structural repairs were done to the pool change rooms. However, an Interior Health inspection report, issued Dec, 19, 2019, found “suction and entrapment hazards.

Mayor Clara Reinhardt is excited to see the pools reopen, and suggests now is a good time for locals to get reacquainted with the facility.

“It’s been a real long haul,” says Reinhardt. “The locals are pretty excited. It means a lot to our accommodators and our businesses because people come in the shoulder seasons for a weekend or a few days and just like to relax at the pool, so this is a pretty important asset to the community.”

Reinhardt, an avid swimmer herself, says she’s excited to get back into the water, but reminds those who want to visit the pool call ahead to ensure you can get in, as new protocol will limit the number of visitors that can be allowed entry at one time.

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“Plan your time, maybe call and make sure it’s not too busy and time it around when you know there’s not a lot of tourists in there so that you can ensure you can get in and ensure you have a good experience,” Reinhardt says.

Parks Canada is advising visitors to the pools to expect a much different experience than in the past.

The pools are reopening with increased safety protocol due to COVID-19 which includes reduced hours to allow for additional cleaning, the number of visitors that can be accommodated at one time has been adjusted and hand sanitizing stations are in place.

View more details from Parks Canada in a statement below:

Parks Canada has followed local health guidelines and provincial regulations to reopen many visitor experiences at national parks and national historic sites across Canada. The health and safety of Canadians, park visitors and Parks Canada team members remains our top priority.

While Parks Canada looks forward to welcoming visitors back to Radium Hot Springs, visitors should expect a very different experience when visiting the hot springs. To make the most of your visit, please come prepared for the following:

• Reduced hours to allow for additional cleaning by staff;
• The number of visitors that can be accommodated at one time has been adjusted to meet public health guidelines to enable physical distancing. This will likely result in delays entering the hot springs;
• Increased safety protocols in place, including mask use being strongly recommended indoors, additional hand sanitizing stations, Plexiglas barriers and signage to help visitors move safely through the building.

Banff Upper Hot Springs remains closed until further notice as Parks Canada continues to assess how this iconic experience can safely resume operations. Anticipated reopening dates and information about what to expect when Banff Upper Hot Springs reopen will be shared on our website as soon as it is available.

Miette Hot Springs, along with Miette Road and Miette Hot Springs Bungalows will remain closed for 2020 and are expected to reopen in spring of 2021.

Parks Canada reminds all visitors to arrive prepared when visiting Canada’s national parks and national historic sites. Every visit should start with a trip to How to visit during COVID-19. Here you can find up to date information on what is open, what is closed and how to visit safely. When visiting national parks, only visit areas that are open, always adhere to the guidance of public health authorities, and be respectful of other visitors.