Details of two separate proposals to construct gondolas in Squamish are sparse as the separate proponents work toward getting into government review processes.
Squamish mayor Ian Sutherland confirmed this week that he knows of two proposals to build gondolas in Squamish.
Sutherland chose not to expand on his knowledge out of respect for the private individuals spearheading the initiatives.
The mayor did say that he met with one proponent and has never met the people behind the other.
MLA Ted Nebbeling confirmed that he is aware of a ondola proposed for the Stawamus Chief and supports it.
"I think it would be great," Nebbeling said. "The one thing we don't have in Squamish enough of is reasons for people to stop in Squamish."
Nebbeling said he also supports rail-oriented tour opportunities for Squamish.
"One of the things I've said to the [rail tour] proponents is that if they go through Squamish they have to have a stop there," the MLA said. "That will keep people from getting on the train in West Vancouver and going right through to Whistler.
"That's one of the things that I'm looking at in the long term in the development of Squamish."
Nebbeling noted that Whistler struggled with conflicts between various recreation pursuits as it grew and he says things worked out well in the resort
"I think the groups using the rocks today should not claim exclusive use," the Liberal MLA said. "Part of the reason Whistler has become what it is, is because we have allowed Whistler to have a broad range of activities."
The other proposal is for a gondola that originates near the mouth of the Squamish River on the east shore and rises up the mountains on the west side of the river.
The minutes from last month's Select Committees on Outdoor Recreation and Tourism indicate that both committees discussed the gondola proposal for the Stawamus Chief. Members of the outdoor recreation committee requested the opportunity to review the proposal and the tourism committee member talked about the implications, pros and cons of such a project.
