Several children fall ill at hotel pool in southern Alberta

CANMORE – Several children suddenly fell ill at a swimming pool hotel over the weekend in southern Alberta, with officials saying the cause is suspected to be exposure to a hazardous substance. 

The Town of Canmore, 100 kilometres west of Calgary, said about 30 children in the pool area Sunday were exhibiting symptoms of illness, such as vomiting.

“Initial priority was to get everyone out of the pool and to a triage area established near the hotel lobby where EMS and a supporting fire rescue team were running vitals,” the town said in an email Monday.

“Initial air monitoring detected an elevated level of a hazardous substance, which was suspected to be chlorine based.”

The town said firefighters were able to identify and isolate it to the pool and to a mechanical room. 

“To support the pool’s ventilation system, doors were closed and the air was circulated through the system as it was designed,” the town said. 

“To clear the air in the mechanical room, a fan was used to exhaust the chemicals outdoors and into the atmosphere.”

An independent contractor was called in, the town said, and assessed that there was no immediate danger after the ventilation of the pool area and maintenance room.

The hotel, Canmore Inn and Suites, said ongoing testing and assessments have not identified any indication of deliberate contamination.

“Our pool systems are professionally operated and monitored by a licensed chemical management company, which is investigating the incident,” the hotel said in an email. 

“We understand how upsetting this situation has been and are committed to providing our full support to those impacted.”

Emergency Health Services said it initially declared a mass casualty event but quickly determined multiple ambulances were not needed.

One child was sent by ambulance to Canmore General Hospital, while others were assessed by paramedics at the scene, the agency said in a statement.

“Ultimately, a total of 11 young patients were assessed at Canmore General Hospital, 10 in stable and non-life-threatening condition,” it said.

One child was later sent by ambulance to the Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary in serious but stable condition.

Tatiana Butynina said she and her son were at the hotel Sunday but left the pool area about a half-hour before the other children got sick.

She said her son and the others were at the hotel over the weekend for an under-seven hockey tournament.

“While leaving, I observed several fire trucks, emergency vehicles and police cars surrounding the hotel, along with a large crew of firefighters and medical personnel inside,” Butynina said in a Facebook message.

“I will say honestly that this situation is deeply upsetting to me as a parent.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 26, 2026.

— By Daniela Germano in Edmonton