Gondola across Edmonton’s river valley gets rough ride from city committee

EDMONTON – A city committee made it clear Tuesday that it won’t support any taxpayer dollars to build a gondola across the North Saskatchewan River in Edmonton.

The Edmonton Transit System advisory board was recommending further study by the city into the potential for a gondola to connect the downtown on the river’s north side to Whyte Avenue, a popular street in the south-side Old Strathcona neighbourhood.

A report from the advisory board suggested it would provide “high-capacity, efficient and cost-effective mass transit over one of Edmonton’s most challenging topographical areas.”

They suggested it’s a viable project that warrants further consideration and study.

The committee, made up of councillors, was concerned about the cost of a gondola as the city faces some tough budget years.

They agreed to ask city staff to get a firm estimate on what it would cost to do a feasibility study and report back by October.

Some have criticized the idea of a gondola on social media and in newspaper editorials, suggesting it would be a waste of money and could have a similar fate as the city’s new funicular. The cable car, which goes up a hillside in Edmonton’s river valley, has regularly broken down in harsh weather.

Others — including business groups in the downtown and Old Strathcona, the River Valley Alliance and private investors — are on board with the gondola proposal.

(CTV Edmonton/The Canadian Press)