Should a New Fire Suppression Well Be Drilled at Prince of Wales Hotel?
Official title: Prince of Wales Hotel Fire Suppression Water Well
The Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton Lakes National Park wants to switch how it gets water for fire suppression. Instead of drawing from Upper Waterton Lake, they'd drill a groundwater well in the Emerald Bay Day Use Area. The project involves trenching for pipes and electrical lines to connect to the existing pumphouse.
Why This Matters
Visit Waterton Lakes National Park? This project could temporarily affect the Emerald Bay Day Use Area during construction. The hotel is a historic landmark, and reliable fire protection matters for its preservation.
What Could Change
If approved, drilling and trenching would occur in the Emerald Bay Day Use Area. The lake intake would be decommissioned in favour of groundwater. Construction would involve installing a submersible pump and running new water and electrical lines.
Key Issues
- Should groundwater wells replace the current lake water intake for fire suppression?
- What are the environmental impacts of drilling and trenching in the Emerald Bay Day Use Area?
Indigenous Consultation
This consultation requires engagement with Indigenous communities under the Crown's duty to consult.