A health alert has been issued for a resort in the Interior of British Columbia due to expired permits and water safety issues. Interior Health has instructed Spruce Hill Resort & Spa at 108 Mile Ranch to shut down its restaurant, pool, and hot tubs immediately as they pose a risk to visitors. The resort has been operating without valid permits since March 31, despite numerous closure orders.
According to Courtney Zimmerman, Interior Health’s corporate director of environmental health, the property has a history of non-compliance over the past four years, with over 200 enforcement actions taken. Inspectors discovered that the resort failed to inform guests about a boil-water notice, potentially exposing them to contaminants like E. coli.
The health authority has also cautioned against using the pool and hot tubs at the resort, citing concerns about equipment changes that have not been properly reviewed for safety. Zimmerman expressed frustration with enforcement challenges, stating that the resort often reopens shortly after being shut down.
Interior Health is collaborating with legal experts to explore further enforcement measures against the resort. Public complaints about the property date back several years, with ongoing issues prompting the health authority to take action. In response to the health alert, the resort stated that it is working with authorities to address the concerns raised.
Anyone who visited the resort recently and is experiencing health issues is advised to contact their healthcare provider or the Health Protection Office. The resort’s website continues to highlight its outdoor activities and spa experiences, despite the current closures.
