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Edmonton council approves 1st step for gondola across North Saskatchewan River

Click to play video: 'Gondola moves another step  forward with Edmonton city council approval'
Gondola moves another step forward with Edmonton city council approval
In a tight vote at Edmonton city council, Prairie Sky — the private backers of the urban gondola project — won support for their framework agreement. Sarah Ryan explains what that means for the venture moving forward. – Feb 22, 2021

A proposal from a private company to build a gondola across Edmonton’s river valley will keep moving forward after city council approved an important first step.

In an 8-5 vote, councillors have approved a framework for a working relationship with Prairie Sky Gondola.

READ MORE: Edmonton river valley gondola should advance to detailed design phase: city report 

The company wants to string cable cars across the North Saskatchewan River between downtown and Whyte Avenue, a popular street with bars, restaurants and stores.

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Prairie Sky Gondola says it does not want any money from the city for the project, which the company says would cost between $132 million and $155 million.

Click to play video: 'Edmonton city council to make decision on proposed urban gondola'
Edmonton city council to make decision on proposed urban gondola

Despite council’s go-ahead, the company will still be required to go through public consultation and several more detailed assessments.

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The approval of land dedicated to the project will also need to be considered by council.

During a committee meeting last week, council members heard from about 30 people.

Some were supportive of the proposal, while others were concerned about environmental impacts and a lack of Indigenous input.

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