Update on the Proposed Bridal Falls Cascade Skyline Gondola
Following our initial public statement on January 28, 2023, the BC Powersports Coalition met again on July 16, 2024, with the President of the Bridal Falls Cascade Skyline Gondola project to review recent revisions to their proposed development. During this meeting, we received updated maps of the proposed tenure area, revealing significant changes that address our previous concerns.
Key Revisions to the Proposal:
The revised maps show a reduced tenure area that no longer extends to Thurston Ridge or the Chipmunk Creek FSRs. As a result, the need for gates has been eliminated, and there will be no restrictions on accessing Mount Cheam, Mount Thurston, the Thurston Loop, or "The Saddle" on Thurston Ridge. These changes directly address our earlier concerns about restricted or limited access to these vital motorized recreation areas in Chilliwack.
A Balanced Approach to Development and Recreation:
We are pleased to see that the revised proposal meets the needs of our members while still allowing the project proponents and their partners to develop the guest experience central to their business plan. This project is a partnership with the local Cheam First Nations, designed to create long-term economic benefits for their communities and protect their heritage values in the region.
As the design evolves, we remain committed to working with the proponents and their partners to ensure that the needs of all parties are considered. We are also taking this opportunity to better understand the history, values, and traditional usages of the Cheam First Nations in the area.
A Balanced Approach to Development and Recreation:
We are pleased to see that the revised proposal meets the needs of our members while still allowing the project proponents and their partners to develop the guest experience central to their business plan. This project is a partnership with the local Cheam First Nations, designed to create long-term economic benefits for their communities and protect their heritage values in the region.
As the design evolves, we remain committed to working with the proponents and their partners to ensure that the needs of all parties are considered. We are also taking this opportunity to better understand the history, values, and traditional usages of the Cheam First Nations in the area.
Ongoing Monitoring of Other Proposed Developments:
We acknowledge that there are currently two commercial recreation projects under consideration in the Bridal Falls area. While we feel confident in the newly revised Cascade Skyline Gondola proposal, we continue to engage with the proponents of the larger 5,000-hectare all-season destination resort project, the Bridal Veil Mountain Resort (BVMR). Our goal is to provide meaningful input to mitigate the impacts of this proposed project on motorized recreation in adjacent areas.
The proposed BVMR tenure area is extensive, and their gondolas would extend to Thurston Ridge. According to their website, the BVMR tenure could significantly impact Thurston, Archibald, Mercer, Cheam Mountain, and much of the Chipmunk Creek area FSRs.
Next Steps:
We will continue to monitor both projects closely and provide updates as more information becomes available. Please see the attached map for a detailed view of the two tenure areas and how they intersect with the recreational zones many of our members currently enjoy.
Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement as we work to protect access to these critical recreation areas.
