Leaders of the Eastern Fraser Valley have drawn a line in the sand in order to back an Indigenous-led gondola proposal over the one advocating a massive ski resort in the mountains above Chilliwack.
Supporting the Cascade Skyline Gondola Project as opposed to the Bridal Veil Mountain Resort are Chilliwack Mayor Ken Popove, Sqwa Chief Lara Mussell, and Kent Mayor Sylvia Pranger, according to a release from Cascade project proponents.
Mayor Popove stated in a letter to Premier John Horgan that the Pel贸lxw (Pilalt) Tribe-led Cascade project has 鈥渂oth jobs and financial stimulus for Chilliwack and the surrounding area.鈥�
Popove also fired off a Cascade support letter to Forests Minister Katrine Conroy 鈥渄ue to its respectful and long-standing relationship with Cheam First Nation.
鈥淎s we all work towards a strong, sustainable economy that works for everyone, it is imperative that all levels of government support projects with the same vision.鈥�
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But the Bridal Veil Mountain Resort project is not being received with open arms to the same degree.
鈥淭he City of Chilliwack does not support this application, and instead, we urge you to approve the Cascade Skyline Gondola Project,鈥� Popove wrote.
Cascade has earned endorsements from Indigenous Tourism BC, the Tourism Industry Association of B.C, Tourism Chilliwack, Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation, Chilliwack Outdoor Club, Chilliwack River Valley Residents Assoc., and other stakeholders and community groups.
Similarly, District of Kent Mayor Sylvia Pranger and council reiterated their support for the Cascade Skyline Gondola Project in a letter: 鈥淲e again express our support for the Cascade Skyline Gondola Project based on its ecological and cultural benefits.鈥�
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The Bridal Veil ski resort proposal however is worrisome to Kent officials:
鈥漌e are concerned about the negative impacts that will affect our community and adjoining communities鈥�.these impacts would also have a detrimental effect on wildlife impacts and our ecological environment.鈥�
Sqwa Chief Lara Mussel has stated that Sqwa supports the Cascade Skyline Gondola Project.
鈥淲e are united in opposing BVMR (Bridal Veil Mountain Resort)鈥 massive ski resort with multiple villages and supporting amenities disrupting the natural habitat for wildlife in the area.鈥�
Other expressions of interest and support for Cascade Skyline have been received from communities like Kwa Kwa Apilt and other Pel贸lxw Communities.
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