So what is the difference between a '60s love-in and the recent Sea to Sky Gondola presentation held at the Brew Pub? The quick answer is, other than the passage of 50 years, there is no difference.
It is a rare occasion when a local developer pitches a project and is received with open arms. Except for a few zingers fired from the back of the room by self-styled political watchdog Terrill Patterson, no one attending the presentation challenged the concept. In response to Patterson's query about how many real amenities, tax dollars and long-term jobs this venture would bestow on the citizens of Squamish, David Greenfield from GroundEffects Developments suggested the annual tax haul for the district will be substantial. As well, during the building stage, there will be a healthy injection of construction jobs and between 30 and 50 operation and maintenance positions will be added once the gondola is operational. And, according to Greenfield, the project will act as a kind of commercial "pied piper" by attracting other similar tourist-oriented concepts to Squamish, offering local businesses partnership opportunities, and acting as a complement to the proposed Squamish Oceanfront development.
That's not to suggest that everyone in the attendance was convinced it was full steam ahead for this ambitious venture. As one member of the audience pointed out, local mega-projects have a history of funding and due-diligence snafus. She was concerned about where the investment capital would come from for this most recent entry into the Squamish destination venue sweepstakes.
Greenfield was quick to point out that financing would not be a problem, but he was light on specifics and his answer left some people wondering whether the proponents had all their fiscal ducks in a row.
There were a number of inquiries from the floor related to road access concerns and apprehensions about the kind of environmental assessment snags that scuttled the Garibaldi at Squamish resort proposal. According to Greenfield, all of these potential obstacles have been addressed.
Concerns were also raised about the projected July/August 2013 opening date, which some observers felt was a bit farfetched given the unanticipated challenges this venture could face.
A previous gondola proposal crashed and burned on the launch pad because it was targeted to access the inviolable Stawamus Chief. This new version will be anchored on a former Kiewit construction depot site along Highway 99. It will transport visitors 2,200 feet towards Mount Habrich, between Shannon Falls and the Stawamus Chief. Visitors will enjoy spectacular 360-degree views of Howe Sound, Mount Garibaldi and Sky Pilot Mountain and interpretive walks, hikes, cross-country mountain bike trails, and snowshoeing will be available. Inside the West Coast-inspired lodge, a restaurant will offer a high-quality, locally produced menu and a movie theatre will showcase local history and culture.
Despite some concerns over logistics, so far this venture has hit the Goldilocks zone. It appears to be just right for most palates: not too hot, and not too cold.
