Banff Town Council hears discussion about gondola to Mount Norquay

Jan Waterous appeared in front of Banff Town Council on behalf of Liricon to address the Notice of Motion that was brought forward by a Banff Town Councillor. The motion was to amend the Railway Lands Area Development Plan (ARP) by removing the reference to the Mount Norquay gondola base station in the ARP Terms of Reference.

As highlighted in the submission that was put forward by Liricon to accompany Jan’s time in front of Council. A key element of the ARP is to incorporate and develop an integrated gondola terminus connecting the townsite to the Norquay Ski and Sightseeing Resort by an aerial transit system. The purpose of a Town to Norquay Base Gondola as specified in Norquay’s Site Guidelines (2011) is to enhance the ecological integrity of the Cascade Wildlife Corridor and improve the visitor experience.

Parks Canada turned down Norquay’s first proposal, a large, 4-station gondola to Norquay’s summit in December 2019. However, Parks Canada did convey that they remain open to approving a smaller, 2-station gondola from the Town to Norquay’s base. Importantly, both Parks Canada and the Town must review and approve the ARP.

Amongst the benefits to the Town of Banff, a Town to Norquay Base gondola generates a revenue stream that allows for providing 600+ stalls of free intercept parking and a 5.2-hectare nature reserve, to be economically sustainable for decades to come. An ARP that includes a gondola terminus is necessary but not sufficient for an approved gondola. Following a Town of Banff approved ARP with a gondola terminus, a Town to Norquay Base Gondola will require a separate Parks Canada approval process which will include extensive public consultation.

With this background, Norquay and Town Administration have been working together in good faith and transparently since January 2020 on the ARP which includes a potential gondola terminus.