Some residents of Harrison Hot Springs, B.C., say they are more than a little upset after a cherished local natural hot spring known as “Hobo Hot Springs” was suddenly filled with dirt and boulders earlier this week, making it unusable.
The rustic pool along the shore of Harrison Lake has been a favourite spot for free scenic soaks near the more luxurious mineral pools of the popular Harrison Hot Springs Resort.
Local resident David Northey recalls stumbling upon the hot spring pool for the first time with his wife on their anniversary three years ago.
“We had no idea something like this existed. We just took a walk down and found two people there who had set up all these beautiful lights and candles,” he said. “We were able to just chill out in the hot springs and had a magical evening.”
Northey says the spot drew both residents and visitors eager for an authentic hot spring experience.
The natural spring, where hot water comes out of the ground right beside the village’s main hot spring source, was gradually built up into a pool by locals over the years with stones and logs, according to Harrison Hot Springs Mayor Fred Talen.
Talen, who has been in office for just under three weeks following a recent byelection, confirmed the village had not been informed of the pool’s destruction and denied any municipal involvement.
“What’s becoming clear to me today, and over the last several days, is that the residents of the Village of Harrison Hot Springs are really interested in preserving and promoting the natural features of the hot springs,” he said.
The mayor said he believes the resort, which controls part of the area, was likely responsible.
“It’s my initial understanding that the resort had someone place these boulders in the pools to mitigate the risk and liability associated with the public use of these hot spring pools,” he added.
Talen said the resort likely saw the pool as a liability concern because the water directly from the spring can get “scalding hot,” potentially putting bathers at risk.
“I think maybe that was what the resort was trying … to protect people from hurting themselves,” Talen noted.
The news has sparked a local outcry, with many expressing disappointment at the loss of a cherished spot on social media.
Northey says he is concerned that environmental damage may have been done to the pool, which housed small fish, including pumpkinseed fish, that had lived there for years.
The area is also significant to the Sts’ailes First Nation, who regard the hot springs as having healing properties.
Talen emphasized the importance of consulting the Sts’ailes regarding the natural hot springs, as the springs are culturally and historically meaningful to the Indigenous community.
The village, he added, should also have a say in the management of these resources.
Talen says he has scheduled a meeting with resort management to seek clarification.
CBC News has contacted the Sts’ailes First Nation and the Harrison Hot Springs Resort for comment but has not received a response.
