Concerns raised over SFU gondola: privacy, environment
Posted May 26, 2011 6:16 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
BURNABY (NEWS1130) – TransLink says it will shuttle more people up to SFU in half the time, and will cut down on greenhouse gases. But people who came out to an open house last night brought up many concerns over the $120 million proposed gondola system transit project.
“The loss of privacy is an issue. At a height of 160 feet, gondola riders would be able to see through our windows and into our skylights and private rooftop terraces,” says Chris Rarinca.
John Templeton doesn’t like the idea of a series of towers going up the mountain. “It’s going to totally disturb the peace and tranquility of the creatures that live in that region. It’s a protected region.”
Others are worried about the safety of the system and its cost.
TransLink‘s Jeff Busby points out they’re looking at ways of designing the gondola cabins to minimize the privacy issue. He says the project would also consider paying for modifications on homes to increase privacy.
Busby says TransLink would consider innovative construction methods, if it meant reducing the impact on the environment.
Gondola system quick facts:
- TransLink says it needs to consider this project, as SFU’s population is expected to steadily increase in the next 20 years
- The 30 to 35 person gondola cabins would carry 3,000 more people per hour up the mountain
- Gondola cabins would run every 40 seconds
- The system would eliminate weather-related bus cancellations, which happen about 10 days a year
- The system would eliminate 35,000 hours of diesel bus operation
- The recommended route would have the gondola station located at Production Way SkyTrain station
- It would be the only commuting gondola in Canada, but similar to one in Portland, Oregon
- TransLink will be inviting input until the end of June
