Public comment period closes for proposed Cascade Skyline Gondola east of Chilliwack

The applicant is officially known as Bridal Falls Gondola Corp.; the Crown land file is #2412430. However, the proposed gondola will operate under the name of Cascade Skyline Gondola.

The project will be located on Bridal Falls Road, on the south side of Trans-Canada Highway 1 at the Highway 9 interchange, and consist of both Crown and private land.

In partnership with Cheam First Nations, the ecotourism project is an $80 million initiative that proponents say will provide an incredible economic boost to the tourism industry of the Fraser Valley and act as a recreational amenity for the local community and B.C. residents alike. Gondola backers say it is a sustainable business model that will minimize impacts and generate hundreds of jobs for the region.

The private land component of the project will be redeveloped to contain the majority of the base station facilities. Currently, the private land exists as Bridal Falls Golf Course, which is currently closed due to nearby Trans Mountain pipeline activity.

The Crown land application contains a section of the existing golf course and runs from the base of Mount Archibald up the slope to a ridgeline on the western flank of Mount Archibald, and then follows this ridgeline towards Mount Thurston. There are several smaller satellite areas included in the proposed application.

A key component of the application is a request to restrict vehicular and motorized access into the alpine area around the summit station. Proponents are asking for five access gates to restrict this vehicular access.

The base station of the project consists of a parking lot, water detention pond, and the terminus stations for a mountain coaster and zipline ride. All other proposed base station improvements will be on private land.

The mid station features the top terminal for the lower lift, as well as a maintenance facility, staff room, washrooms, and parking. The mountain coaster and zipline would begin here and operate between the base station and mid station.

The summit location will feature the top terminal for the upper lift, as well as a day lodge with such amenities as group meeting spaces, retail store, guest services, rental shop, restroom facilities, administrative offices, theatre, and an interpretive centre. Outdoor decks with seating will be stationed here as will maintenance facilities, operations, and a storm water pond.

The alpine area will include viewing platforms, primitive camping areas, hiking trails, interpretive trails, a teahouse restaurant, and tobogganing area.

Two remote warming huts are proposed, including one on Mount Mercer and the other on Mount Archibald. These two structures would be accessible to the public and offer primitive emergency shelter for intended day use only.

Proposed access to the summit station during the construction phase will occur via Chipmunk Creek Forest Service Road. The proponent proposes to upgrade the road and reactivate a decommissioned section to make it suitable for construction vehicle access. The road would then be maintained for future ongoing maintenance access to the summit station. Use of the road during gondola operation would be minimal as the majority of summit access would be accessed from the gondola.

All hydro and wastewater infrastructure are expected to be buried underground. Telecommunication cables are expected to be strung on the top of the gondola towers and then run underground once the cables have reached the stations.

by Mike Vanden Bosch

Public comment period closes for proposed Cascade Skyline Gondola east of Chilliwack

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