$29 Million Upgrades Completed at the Historic Radium Hot Springs Aquacourt

The Radium Hot Springs Aquacourt in Kootenay National Park has undergone a $29 million renovation project, marking a significant federal infrastructure upgrade.

The $29 million investment was marked by a community event celebrating the project’s completion and the 75th anniversary of the building’s initial construction phase, which commenced shortly after World War II.

The facility, which attracts over 200,000 visitors annually, is known for its therapeutic mineral waters historically used by the Ktunaxa and Secwépemc people. The renovation project, led by Parks Canada, aimed to modernize the site while preserving its historical significance.

Key Improvements and Features

The first constructed cement pool, 1923 – Credit: Parks Canada

The renovations spanned from 2016 to early 2024 and focused on enhancing safety, accessibility, and environmental sustainability while preserving the site’s historical value. Here are the major updates:

Infrastructure Improvements:
- Comprehensive updates to plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems.
- Introduction of green technologies and energy-efficient solutions, including geothermal systems utilizing the hot springs’ natural heat.
Accessibility Enhancements:
- Installation of new handrails and lifts.
- Redesign of entry and exit points to better accommodate visitors with mobility issues.
Aesthetic and Comfort Upgrades:
- Renovations to the interior and exterior, including the restaurant, gift shop, and change rooms.
- Addition of a rooftop sundeck to improve the overall visitor experience.
Environmental Sustainability:
- Structural adjustments, such as new culverts under the building, to prevent erosion and protect fish habitats.
- Use of sustainable materials and practices throughout the renovation process.

Opening Ceremony of Radium Hot Springs Aquacourt 1951 Credit: Parks Canada

The Aquacourt, a Classified Federal Heritage Building, was designed by Ernest T. Brown in a modernist style characterized by symmetrical U-shaped plans and strong horizontal lines.

Radium Hot Springs maintain a water temperature of 45.5°C (114°F) and a flow rate of 1,800 litres per minute, rich in minerals like sulphate and magnesium. It remains the largest of the three hot springs managed by Parks Canada, alongside Banff Upper Hot Springs and Miette Hot Springs in Jasper National Park.