Hot springs in Kootenay National Park long used by First Nations were commercialized by the Canadian government in the 1920s
The federal government has spent $29 million renovating the Radium Hot Springs Aquacourt building and pools.
On Tuesday, Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault said that as well as restoring the iconic 1951 stone and concrete main building, the two pools’ mechanical and electrical systems had been upgraded. This includes making use of geothermal energy from the hot springs.
The hot mineral waters that flow from underground into the hot pool were known and used by the Ktunaxa and Secwépemc people for thousands of years for their therapeutic properties, Guilbeault said.
The cold pool has been improved to prevent flooding and improve visitor safety and culverts were installed under the building to protect the foundation from erosion.
“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,” Guilbeault said.
The federal government began developing the hot springs — along Highway 93 in Kootenay National Park — in the 1920s.