Initial ‘mass-casualty’ response called off after kids fall ill at Canmore hotel pool

An initial “mass-casualty” response from emergency crews was quickly called off on Sunday after a group of children suddenly became ill at a hotel in Canmore.

Canmore Fire-Rescue received a call to the Canmore Inn & Suites along Bow Valley Trail for a “hazmat incident” at around 10:45 a.m. Sunday, but the scale of the event led to an increased deployment, including from Emergency Health Services (EHS).

When they arrived just after 11 a.m. on Sunday, 30 children in the pool area were exhibiting symptoms of illness, such as vomiting.

Given the initial uncertainty, EHS activated mass-casualty protocols, dispatching several units and supervisory staff.

Town of Canmore spokesperson Adam Robertson said in a statement that fire rescue immediately considered chemical exposure and “took the appropriate protocols for response.”

“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 statement reads.

Robertson says crews detected an “elevated level of a hazardous substance” stemming from a mechanical room suspected to be chlorine, based on the location and the symptoms exhibited by the victims.

The room and subsequent area were cordoned off for ventilation. An independent contractor assessed the scene once complete and verified that it posed no immediate danger.

After concerns eased, according to EHS, paramedics on scene determined that multiple ambulances would not be necessary and paused the mass‑casualty planning.

Nine children were found to be in stable and non‑life‑threatening condition. Paramedics advised their parents and guardians to take them directly to Canmore General Hospital for further evaluation.

One additional child was brought to the same hospital by ambulance in serious but stable condition.

One child required further care and was moved to Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary, where they remain in serious but stable condition.

Health officials have not yet released the cause of the illness.