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B.C. Orders Restoration of Hobo Hot Spring as Fence Cuts Off Public Access

Work to clear debris that blocked the spring has begun under a provincial restoration order with the fence set to come down after the site is repaired

A fence and structure are seen at the pools known as the Hobo Hot Spring, near the village of Harrison Hot Springs, B.C., in this Monday, May 26, 2025, handout photo provided by the community's mayor, Fred Talen. The British Columbia government has ordered that the free and natural spring be repaired after it was filled with dirt and boulders in October 2024. ,
Residents of the community of Harrison Hot Spring, B.C. were outraged after a beloved natural outdoor hot spring pool known as Hobo Hot Springs was filled with boulders and dirt. The pool is shown after the destruction in a handout photo.

Overview

  • The Ministry of Forests issued a Water Sustainability Act order mandating the removal of dirt and boulders placed in the hot spring last fall
  • The Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship is collaborating with Harrison Hot Springs Resort to rebuild the stream and verify compliance
  • A brick-and-metal fence erected over the weekend has sealed off the spring, prompting local criticism
  • Mayor Fred Talen called the fencing disrespectful to long-time users and questioned the resort’s exclusive control over a public resource
  • Hobo Hot Spring has served generations of First Nations people and community members as free public pools before being filled in