Publication
Children Hospitalized After Chlorine Exposure at Canmore Inn and Suites
What families should know about the risks, investigations, and potential legal options
On January 25, 2026, emergency crews responded to an incident at the Canmore Inn and Suites after multiple children became seriously ill in the hotel pool area. Paramedics transported 11 children to hospital, while more than 30 others were reported to be experiencing symptoms including vomiting and respiratory distress. Fire crews later detected elevated levels of a hazardous substance in the air, and subsequent reporting has identified dangerously high chlorine levels as the likely cause.
Alberta Health Services (AHS) is investigating the incident. Public inspection records show the hotel pool had previously been cited for issues related to chlorine levels, raising serious concerns about pool maintenance, chemical monitoring, and compliance with public health and safety standards. While officials have not yet linked those prior citations directly to this incident, the circumstances highlight the risks associated with improperly managed pool chemicals—particularly for children.
Understanding the Risks
Chlorine is commonly used to disinfect pools, but when levels are improperly managed, it can cause chlorine exposure injuries or poisoning, particularly in children whose lungs and airways are still developing.
Exposure can lead to:
- Severe respiratory distress
- Chemical burns to the eyes and skin
- Persistent coughing, wheezing, or chest pain
- Long-term lung injury or asthma-like symptoms
- In extreme cases, loss of consciousness or life-threatening complications
Children are especially vulnerable because they breathe more rapidly, are closer to the water’s surface where fumes can concentrate and may not immediately recognize or communicate symptoms.
Hotels, resorts, and pool operators have a legal duty of care to ensure pools are properly maintained, chemical levels are accurately monitored, and hazards are promptly addressed. When that duty is breached, and people—especially children—are harmed, legal accountability may follow.
Incidents like this may involve premises liability and negligence. Key questions often include:
- Were chlorine levels properly tested and recorded?
- Were prior health or safety citations addressed in a timely and effective way?
- Were staff adequately trained to monitor and respond to chemical imbalances?
- Was the pool closed or restricted when unsafe conditions existed?
If a property owner or operator failed to meet required safety standards, affected families may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, long-term care needs, and other losses.
How We’re Helping
Our Personal Injury team is experienced in representing individuals and families harmed by unsafe premises and preventable exposure incidents. We understand how overwhelming it is when a child is suddenly hospitalized or continues to suffer lingering health effects from an event that should never have happened.
We are currently reviewing incidents involving chemical exposure and pool safety failures and can help families understand their legal options, including whether compensation may be available.
What to Do Next
- Seek medical care and follow your doctor’s advice.
- Document everything: receipts, photos, medical records, and any communication with AHS.
- Contact us for a free, confidential consultation.
Contact Us
Kim Bufton, Partner
Email: kbufton@mcleod-law.com
Online Form: Click Here
Why McLeod Law?
- Proven track record in complex personal injury and child injury claims
- Alberta-based team with decades of litigation experience
- Recognized leaders and the Top-Listed Firm in Calgary and Alberta for Personal Injury Litigation by Best Lawyers in Canada
- Compassionate approach. We put your recovery and peace of mind first.