Columbia Valley Pioneer staff
Infrastructure improvements to the Aquacourt building at Radium Hot Springs have been completed at a cost of approximately $29 million.
Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, announced the completion last week. The event also recognized the 75th anniversary of the start of construction of the Aquacourt, which was the first major construction project undertaken in western national parks following the Second World War.
The upgrades modernized the mechanical and electrical systems, including the installation of energy-efficient technology to leverage geothermal energy from the hot springs. The building was made more resilient to climate change through upgrades to the cold pool that help protect it from flooding and improve visitor safety. The installation of culverts under the building direct water flow to protect the foundation from erosion while safeguarding nearby fish habitats. The renovated restaurant, gift shop, and change rooms will support improved visitor experiences, along with a new rooftop sundeck and upgraded accessibility features including handrails, lifts, and improvements to the site entry and exit.
The Radium Hot Springs Aquacourt, located in Kootenay National Park, hosts more than 200,000 visitors each year. The hot mineral waters that flow from the ground have drawn people to this place since time immemorial. These hot springs were known and used both recently and historically by the Ktunaxa and Secwépemc people for their therapeutic properties. They are sacred places of healing and rejuvenation.
Shuswap Band Chief Barb Coté said the Secwépemc people have long known the spiritual significance of the Radium Hot Springs.
“Radium Hot Springs has served as a place to relax, heal, and connect with nature throughout the seasons. These springs hold the same cultural value for the Secwépemc today as they did for our ancestors.”
