ChazYEG
Senior Member
Also, there's ABSOLUTELY NO ASK for transit revenue. I don't know where he is getting his information from, or if he's just spreading misinformation on purpose (to what end, it eludes me).
Prairie Sky Gondola | 76.2m | ?s | Prairie Sky | DIALOG
- Thread starter Kaizen
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TAS
Senior Member
Anyone write to Janz yet? I did.
He is always quick to reply, he deserves credit for that.
He thanked me for sharing my support of the Gondola project and asked "What questions would you like to see me ask to make sure we get the best deal?"
Gronk!
Senior Member
Maybe ask Janz why he has such a mad hate-on for private corporations. I know he's an NDP supporter but I don't know how much of an excuse that is.
occidentalcapital
Senior Member
Reactionary NDP? Is there such a thing?
roe_
Active Member
I am not entirely certain because no one seems to have clearly said it, but I suspect some are against the gondola because it is seen as a privatization of transit. I believe the thinking is that if you allow a rider to add a "surcharge" on their monthly pass that allows you to use to gondola, you are essentially funneling public transit dollars into a private enterprise. Not saying I agree, but I think that might be some of the thinking.
TAS
Senior Member
I think you have hit on Janz's thinking.
That is only an option should ETS want to pursue it, but it is not essential to the Gondola business case that council accepted in 2021.
From an EJ article at that time:
Hansen-Carlson stressed that his company's business case, which was not made public, does not depend on integration with ETS.
"It's a nice-to-have," he said. "It's a good thing for the community, it creates more public benefit, but at the end of the day it's not essential to us."
thommyjo
Senior Member
I think integrating the gondola with ETS makes a lot of sense for convenience, but yeah, it needs to also stand on its own. The risk factor is too higher for public money. And as long as the deal is well structured to protect the city and river valley, idk why you would fight it.
Puneeta had a great take on the recent IDEA podcast where she talked about how she was meeting with a big investment manager guy who oversees hundreds of millions and she asked what it would take to get more money in Edmonton. His response? “Do cool shit”. So basically she was like, ok. If that’s the attitude of these big players with cash, we need to start thinking like that. How do we put Edmonton on the map?
I think this is something that could. But it’s definitely a risk and will be interesting to see if it works out.
The way Vancouver has integrated ferries into their transit system gives me hope. It’s a unique mode, but works due to the geography. I think we have a similar case here.
Puneeta had a great take on the recent IDEA podcast where she talked about how she was meeting with a big investment manager guy who oversees hundreds of millions and she asked what it would take to get more money in Edmonton. His response? “Do cool shit”. So basically she was like, ok. If that’s the attitude of these big players with cash, we need to start thinking like that. How do we put Edmonton on the map?
I think this is something that could. But it’s definitely a risk and will be interesting to see if it works out.
The way Vancouver has integrated ferries into their transit system gives me hope. It’s a unique mode, but works due to the geography. I think we have a similar case here.
JaayJR
New Member
I absolutely agree with you.
I would love to see the gondola integrated with ETS and Arc card integration, but there needs to be a clear divide between ETS fare and gondola fare or this project will likely not proceed through council. But yes it needs to stand on its own.
On a side note, I saw a considerable number of people crossing both Walterdale and High Level Bridges yesterday after the Oilers game. This project would definitely help bridge that gap as ice district and surrounding development is within reasonable distance from the potential Gondola station at 100st.
IanO
Superstar
The thing I am frustrated about with his comments is that it is saying to private individuals, entrepreneurs and private money that Edmonton doesn't want innovative ideas, solutions, partnerships. I can appreciate that he wants due diligence done, that agreements need to be clear and that things need to be transparent... as would I , but the way he delivers this is absolutely counterproductive and if anything demonstrates his bias.
The_Cat
Senior Member
Another thing, the partners spurring the Prairie Sky Gondola are taking risks of their own. We don't need somebody complaining at the 11th hour.
EdmTrekker
Senior Member
I can’t believe Jantz got elected. He is exactly the kind of guy to walk Edmonton backward economically. He needs to open his eyes and realize the private sector creates wealth and opportunities. As to his social platform I am OK with it and him.
thommyjo
Senior Member
Agreed. Same as when nickel was doing travel advisory stunts for downtown. That sort of political bs hurts our external image and attraction of investment. We can’t allow it. Fight in the bedroom, be united in front of the kids. Unless there are ethical or other factors, taking to socials with dedicated videos like this is too much. At least make it a more nuanced and fair invitation for feedback, not a hit piece.
IanO
Superstar
Interesting to note that along with Edmonton, Red Deer and Banff, Canmore may be going down a (elevated guideway) path as well.
Canmore (Silvertip) proposing a gondola on Lady MacDonald for tourism, to help move hundreds of employees from housing to the expanding village and for conference/events to reduce the need for parking.
silvertipgondola.com
Canmore (Silvertip) proposing a gondola on Lady MacDonald for tourism, to help move hundreds of employees from housing to the expanding village and for conference/events to reduce the need for parking.
Welcome - Silvertip Gondola
Silvertip Gondola Project Stone Creek is proposing to construct and operate a gondola along with a day lodge, trail networks, viewing platforms, suspension bridge and associated utility services infrastructure as part of the Silvertip Integrated Village Resort. The Gondola Project proposes a...
silvertipgondola.com
archited
Senior Member
Anyone CAN do MORE if they like -- Edmonton is the focus here.
IanO
Superstar
Point being that it is interesting seeing a variety of gondola proposals coming down the pipe at a similar time due to their low impact, high capacity and tourism potential.