Chilliwack/Kent-Agassiz – The Mayor of Chilliwack continues to support the Cascade Skyline Gondola Project (“CSGP”), this time taking his message to the top.
In a recent letter to Premier John Horgan, Mayor Ken Popove describes the Pelólxw (Pilalt) First Nations-led project as offering “both jobs and financial stimulus for Chilliwack and the surrounding area.”
CSGP has already been supported and endorsed by Indigenous Tourism BC, the Tourism Industry Association of B.C, Tourism Chilliwack, Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation (CEPCO), Chilliwack Outdoor Club, Chilliwack River Valley Residents Assoc., and many other key stakeholders and community groups.
Mayor Popove previously expressed support for the sightseeing gondola project to Hon. Katrine Conroy, Minister of Forest, Lands & Natural Resource Operations in March, 2021. This time, he wrote to BC’s top elected official to say: “I am writing to you to express my support for the Cascade Skyline Gondola Project…and want to underscore my support for this particular project, due to is respectful and long-standing relationship with the Cheam First Nations.”
The Mayor went on to say: “As we all work towards a strong, sustainable economy that works for everyone, it is imperative that all levels of government support projects with the same vision”.
Notably, Mayor Popove also stated his opposition to the very different Bridal Veil Mountain Resort ski area project: “We are aware that another application has been submitted….for the Bridal Veil Mtn Resort. The City of Chilliwack does not support this application, and instead, we urge you to approve the Cascade Skyline Gondola Project.”
Similarly, District of Kent Mayor Pranger and Council reiterated their support for the Cascade Skyline Gondola Project: “We again express our support for the Cascade Skyline Gondola Project based on its ecological and cultural benefits.” But when it comes to the Bridal Veil Mountain Resort proposal, Council has previously said, “We are concerned about the negative impacts that will affect our community and adjoining communities….these impacts would also have a detrimental effect on wildlife impacts and our ecological environment.”
This comes at a time when other key stakeholders have spoken out in support of the Cascade Skyline Gondola and against the ski resort project with Sqwa Nation Chief Lara Mussel stating, “Sqwa First Nation supports the Cascade Skyline Gondola Project…we are united in opposing BVMR (Bridal Veil Mountain Resort)…a massive ski resort with multiple villages and supporting amenities disrupting the natural habitat for wildlife in the area.”
Expressions of support and ownership interest continue to grow for Cascade Skyline, including from Kwa Kwa Apilt and other stakeholders FNs as members of the Pelólxw Communities.
