Image: Google Maps / Bridal Falls Golf is pictured in this 2011 image. Over a year after Cheam First Nation acquired the Bridal Falls Golf course, the band's chief and council have expressed an interest in purchasing the course's driving range lands.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Potential acquisition

Chilliwack-area First Nation to consider purchase of area driving range for gondola

Oct 1, 2025 | 5:57 AM

CHILLIWACK — A Chilliwack-area First Nation could purchase a roughly nine-acre property on which a former driving range sits toward its eventual goal of building a gondola that would showcase the natural beauty of the region while sharing the rich tapestry of Indigenous traditions.

According to a letter from Cheam First Nation Chief Darwin Douglas to band members dated September 17, 2025, the First Nation has expressed an interest in acquiring the Bridal Falls Golf driving range lands.

Cheam FN announced in February 2024 that it had acquired the former Bridal Falls Golf course, a move that represented a significant expansion of the First Nations’ land base. At the time, Cheam FN said the strategic acquisition reflected Cheam’s goal of fostering economic growth while carefully preserving and promoting Indigenous cultural heritage.

“As you know, Cheam has already acquired the former Bridal Veil Falls Golf Course to serve as the base lands for our gondola project and Indigenous tourism vision,” Cheam Chief Darwin Douglas wrote in his letter dated Sept. 17, 2025. “This additional parcel, approximately 9 acres in size, is directly beside the golf course lands and is critical for ensuring we have a continuous land base for the gondola terminal, parking, overnight accommodations, utilities, and future cultural and tourism facilities.”

The estimated purchase price is $1.5 million, an amount that Chief Douglas believes is was well below the market value of comparable properties along the Highway 1 corridor.

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“Once rezoned for commercial and tourism use, the land is conservatively estimated to be worth upwards of $3.75 million. This means that beyond its strategic importance, this is also a financially sound investment for our people,” Chief Douglas wrote.

As evidence the driving range lands could be interpreted as a good deal, a nearby property for sale – Lot A at 53480 Bridal Falls Road – is listed at $2,490,000 for 7.83 net usable acres, reinforcing what Cheam FN believes is a strategic acquisition of highway-oriented land along Highway 1.

“Owning this property ensures that Cheam First Nation has control of key lands along Highway 1 lands within our traditional territory and that we decide how they are developed for the benefit of our community. Whether for the gondola base, a cultural centre, tourism ventures, or other future uses, this purchase will bring long-term benefits including jobs, training, business partnerships, and economic opportunities for generations to come.”

Cheam First Nation says the driving range property provides it with many other options for development revenue and investment directly on the Trans-Canada Highway.

In the event the proposed gondola development is not approved, Cheam FN believes the property would have tremendous potential for tourism development.

Rather than leave the decision to just chief and council, the letter asks Cheam FN members to submit their feedback and input through an online survey in order to better guide the decision-making process.

“But this decision is not for leadership alone. Your engagement and feedback are essential in guiding us as we move forward together,” Chief Douglas wrote. “Together, we have the chance to create a legacy for our children and grandchildren, building prosperity while showcasing our culture and stewardship of these lands.”