City to discuss using gondolas to connect River Valley and downtown

EDMONTON – It’s a sight usually reserved for ski hills, but on Monday, an executive committee will decide whether to explore two business proposals that suggest using a gondola as a means of travelling between the downtown core  and the River Valley.

Some cities in the U.S., including Portland, Ore., New York and New Orleans, have already gone the gondola route. To make the project a reality in Edmonton, it would cost the city $34.4 million. 

The gondola would travel from Jasper Avenue and 104 Street into Rossdale, and it’s hoped that it would transport 400 people per hour.

Two companies have come forward saying it can be done . One is also considering a funicular that follows a track.

The company that would design and build the system would also be expected to run and maintain it. One of the potential vendors estimated annual operating costs would be $1.5 million to $3 million.

City officials are recommending having each of the unidentified firms develop a detailed business case that includes costs, designs, alignment and community consultation, paying either unsuccessful applicant $150,000 for their time.

However, there are concerns about the placement of the proposed gondola, since the old Rossdale power plant is in limbo. And as the city grapples with the decision of whether it will de re-developed or demolished, some are wondering whether this is the best place for a Gondola pitstop.

“Honestly if the building is not there anymore, I’m not sure what will be there. There is talk of a plaza perhaps, but I don’t know how interesting that is to anybody,” said Lynn Parish with the Rossdale Community League. “Without the building and some kind of attracting to bring people down, I’m not sure why you would bring a gondola to this particular point in the River Valley.”

She believes tackling the gondola idea at the same time as other infrastructure projects in the area might be more practical.

The reaction from people Global News spoke to is mixed.

“I think that probably would be helpful,” said Alex Shanks, who thinks the gondolas could help ease rush hour traffic.

Natasha Fraser-Monroe, who is not from Edmonton, believes it could be a good tourist attraction.

But others are finding the $34 million price tag a bit steep.

“For that kind of money, they should consider some other options that would be a little less expensive. $34 million, think how far that would go for potholes around this town,” David Christoph said with a laugh.

“I think there’s another way to do it,” he added. “I think if you hooked on a pedway from Government station underground and pop out at the bottom of the river, (it) would be much more practical than doing a gondola system, which would probably be cumbersome for bicycles and wheelchairs and that sort of thing.”

If Monday’s executive committee meeting votes to proceed, the detailed business cases could be ready early next year and construction could start in 2015, wrapping up in late 2016.

With files from Jenna Bridges, Global News and Gordon Kent, Edmonton Journal