Years of planning, hard work, public consultation and approval processes finally came together for the group behind the Sea to Sky Gondola on Friday (May 16).
With dignitaries in attendance, company officials and guests celebrated the grand opening of Squamish’s newest attraction 885 metres above sea level on the Summit Lodge viewing deck. Gondola principal David Greenfield said the gondola never would have came to fruition without the passion of the Squamish community.
“This never would have happened without the support of Squamish,” he said to a crowd of media and onlookers. “I’ve never encountered so much support for any project I’ve been involved in. This has been an extremely complicated process, but this is a made-in-Squamish brand and we’re proud of that.”
Greenfield’s business partner Trevor Dunn echoed those sentiments, promising that the gondola will get even better in the coming years. He pointed out the more than 100 locals who are now employed full time at the facility.
Squamish Nation representatives Joshua Joseph and Chris Lewis performed a traditional song during the ceremony and pointed out they conducted a blessing ceremony on May 14. They stated they hope all the workers will take care of each other and that all who experience the gondola enjoy the lovely building and surroundings.
B.C. Premier Christy Clark, who had originally planned to attend the opening, cancelled her appearance on Thursday (May 15). Naomi Yamamoto, B.C.’s Minister of State for Tourism and Small Business, attended on behalf of Clark’s government, along with West Vancouver-Sea to Sky MLA Jordan Sturdy.
“It’s so important for us as a government to support tourism,” she said, praising the jobs the gondola has brought to Squamish. “Squamish has a bright future and we’re looking forward to what’s next.”
Squamish Mayor Rob Kirkham said it’s been a pleasure working with the gondola group and that he wishes them luck in the future with the project.
“They [gondola group] had an exemplary entry into the community,” he said. “Anyone should refer to the gondola team on how to get a project done right in all aspects.”
Summer hours for the gondola are weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with hours extended to 9 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and holidays.
For more information on the gondola, visit www.seatoskygondola.com.
