Committee not ready to sink gondola idea

EDMONTON Councillors passionately opposed to the gondola project grilled volunteers over the details Tuesday, but in the end, a council committee voted 3-1 for the next step.

“This is not a Yes today, not a No today,” said Coun. Michael Walters, adding council should at least consider the idea endorsed by community leaders through the privately run Edmonton Project.

“What we get is some due diligence on an idea that could in fact catalyze (Rossdale) development,” said Walters, who convinced councillors Andrew Knack and Sarah Hamilton to ask officials to report back on how much a feasibility study would cost and if the private sector will pay for it.

They’ll also report back on whether a gondola could spark high-density redevelopment in West Rossdale, the proposed site of the middle of three gondola stations.

Officials are already analyzing different development scenarios for the vacant land and preparing to report back later this year.

Edmonton’s head of planning, Peter Ohm, said solving transportation issues in that neighbourhood will be critical.

Coun. Jon Dziadyk cast the vote against.

He originally said he could support the request for information, then voted against it after Coun. Tim Cartmell said even this small step is a waste of time if the city can never support building it.

There are other priorities, said Cartmell, who is not a member of this particular committee and, therefore, didn’t get a vote. “It’s taking administration off the tasks they already have.”

Councillors questioned everything from possible light pollution and loss of trees, to safety for women on the cars and what happens if the project goes bankrupt. Skepticism and frustration were widespread.

The gondola idea has been making news headlines for months.