EDITOR,
The Stawamus Chief and Shannon Falls are iconic natural wonders. Building a gondola and associated facilities would degrade the aesthetic and recreational value of these unique features. The speculated economic benefit to the town of Squamish will not be adequate compensation. Additionally, the gondola is proposed to be constructed in part in a B.C. Park. This contravenes the B.C. Provincial Parks Act and the Stawamus Chief Master Management Plan.
Neither the act nor the plan should be changed to accommodate a private commercial enterprise which goes against the letter and spirit of both.
I request we reflect on the value of protecting these scenic parks. Once cluttered with towers, cables, cabins, generators and facilities, they can never be returned to their pristine state. This proposal is only different from the previous scuttled gondola proposal in that it has been shifted slightly south. My hope is that this proposal will meet the same insurmountable opposition and share the same fate.
I moved to Squamish 20 years ago for the rock climbing on the Chief, and work both guiding in B.C. Parks and with industry in the bush. Working in Europe, I've used gondolas daily for mountain access to climbing and skiing areas.
If this proposed gondola was routed in a low-impact location providing access to alpine activities that would create additional recreational and commercial benefits, I would be in full support. However, this is not the case; it is in a high-impact location providing limited activities. No access to the alpine, no skiable terrain, insignificant climbing crags, and mountain biking limited by park boundaries and terrain constrictions. It is an amusement ride and viewing platform for drive-by tourists. The proposed top landing can currently be accessed by a combination of active and de-activated Forest Service roads for anyone wanting to reach this area.
The gondola's revenue will come from Highway 99 drive-by tourist traffic, in competition to Squamish's existing businesses. Retail, food and beverages will be offered at the side of the highway south of Squamish, making tourists less likely to stop elsewhere.
Contrary to the proponents' thinking, the gondola will result in increased B.C. Parks use due to the increased attention and parking spaces the gondola will create, further straining B.C. Parks resources.
Building a gondola will require heavy machinery, logging in the park and create a large industrial footprint within and at the park boundaries. There is no low-impact way to string a gondola up or hide its presence; these are small parks and the effects will be significant.
The easily accessible scenery and activities of the Stawamus Chief and Shannon Falls Parks is unequal in B.C.
This area was made a park by the citizens of B.C. in recognition of its value in its current state. We made a strong statement saying we want this area preserved from industrial development; why would we be willing to change our minds now?
Installing a gondola here would be a mistake. Instead, let's protect this magnificent natural resource for this and future generations.
If you are opposed to this proposal it is important to voice your opposition, and to write to B.C. Parks, the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources, and the Squamish Lillooet Regional District. Sean Easton
Squamish
