FVRD says province should address Aboriginal land title claims surrounding proposed gondola, not itself

* The Province is asked to work with FVRD to coordinate review and approval processes that involve the following being completed before granting final approvals that enable the gondola and associated uses to be developed:

* FVRD major Official Community Plan (OCP) amendment, zoning amendment, and development permit approvals supported by comprehensive technical reporting are required should the project move forward to the development stage. Before the project advances to such development stage, a “robust Indigenous consultation and accommodation process must be completed by the Province in a meaningful manner.”

* FVRD says it is the responsibility of the Province to address matters of Aboriginal rights and title with respect to the proposed Crown land tenure, and argues the Province should address matters of Aboriginal rights and title to the lands through the Crown land tenure process and not leave outstanding matters of rights and title to the FVRD’s Official Community Plan and zoning amendment application processes.

* FVRD says it acknowledges Aboriginal rights and title claims and will seek to meaningfully engage with potentially impacted Indigenous First Nations during the OCP and zoning amendment application process.

* FVRD says that its role in the course of the OCP and zoning amendment applications process is to engage with the potentially impacted Indigenous First Nations, identify any negative impacts, and advocate to avoid any potential negative impacts to rights and title.

* Lastly, FVRD acknowledges the importance of ongoing processes between proponents of the gondola project and First Nations, saying it has no authority over Indigenous rights or these processes but encourages the parties to remain committed to these processes.

In partnership with Cheam First Nations east of Chilliwack, 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.

Earlier this month, the company behind the proposed gondola east of Chilliwack said it was making “serious progress.”

Cascade Skyline Gondola touted the project on Facebook on November 3 while it waits for government agencies to conduct a robust consultation with the public, First Nations groups, and stakeholders.

“The terrain and the altitude make the Gondola summit suitable for several winter activities,” Cascade Skyline Gondola wrote on Facebook. “Visitors will have the opportunity to snowshoe, cross-country and backcountry ski or walk on pack snow trails. We are also planning a tube/tobogganing park and ice-skating pond adjacent to the Summit Lodge.”

The gondola company contends locals and out-of-town visitors of all ages and fitness levels will be able to take in the spectacular vista from the large viewing deck and enjoy a warm beverage and meal at the Summit Lodge.

As for an update on the $80 million ecotourism project, Cascade Skyline Gondola wrote, “We are still waiting for a few permits but making serious progress. Thank you for your support and patience.”

It subsequently invited people to know more about its future eco-attraction by visiting the FAQ section on its website, https://cascadeskyline.com/.

The gondola application under the Bridal Falls Gondola name calls for restaurants, retail space, an outdoor plaza, First Nations cultural centre, and outdoor recreation activities.

It is not to be confused with the proposed Bridal Veil Mountain Resort, which is only in the Expression of Interest (EOI) referral stage, even though the proposed Bridal Falls Gondola and the Bridal Veil Mountain Resort (BVMR) areas overlap substantially, according to FVRD staff reports.

FVRD said discussions with the B.C. Mountain Resort Branch have confirmed that while the BVMR project is still active, it remains in the Expression of Interest stage. The current Crown Land Tenure referral is only for the Bridal Falls Gondola project.

In conjunction with the Bridal Falls Gondola project, the FVRD said it will work with the provincial government on a coordinated approval process to include an FVRD major Official Community Plan amendment, zoning amendment, and development permit approvals to be supported by comprehensive technical reporting should the project proceed to the development stage.

FVRD made it clear in an October staff report that if the application moves forward, a “robust public, First Nation, and stakeholder consultation process will be required.”

The public comment period ran from July 29 through September 17 for the Bridal Falls Gondola project. No decisions have been made by the B.C. government about the proposed 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.

by Mike Vanden Bosch

FVRD says province should address Aboriginal land title claims surrounding proposed gondola, not itself

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