Staff Report: Proposed Overhead Cable Car Gondola Transit Connector
A report regarding a funding request for a pre-feasibility study of an overhead cable car gondola transit connector across Esquimalt Harbour.
TOWN OF VIEW ROYAL COUNCIL REPORT
TO: Council DATE: June 10, 2022 FROM: Ivan Leung, P.Eng, Director of Engineering MEETING DATE: June 21, 2022
Proposed Overhead Cable Car Gondola Transit Connector
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the request at the May 17, 2022 Council meeting for a pre-feasibility study of an overhead cable car gondola transit connector be received.
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER’S COMMENTS:
I concur with the recommendation.
PURPOSE OF REPORT:
The purpose of this report is to respond to a joint funding request to conduct a pre-feasibility study for an overhead cable car gondola transit connector across Esquimalt Harbour.
BACKGROUND:
At the regular Council meeting of May 17, 2022, Council were presented with an overview concept for an overhead cable car gondola over Esquimalt Harbour. The proposed station locations were Fort Rodd Hill and the Department of National Defence dockyard entrance.
The applicant stated benefits to this transit system as follows:
- It could improve year-round public transit from Colwood to Esquimalt, benefitting DND workers, Victoria commuters and tourists
- It could lower greenhouse gas emissions than trains, buses or cars
- It could have lower costs than a commuter train or passenger ferry
- Cable car gondolas are quiet
Following the presentation the applicant requested funding in the amount of 10% of the total cost of the feasibility study. With the applicants estimate of a feasibility studying being approximately $200,000 this would mean a funding contribution of $20,000 from the Town of View Royal.
DISCUSSION:
Fort Rodd Hill and the Department of National Defence dockyard entrance are located within the City of Colwood and the Township of Esquimalt respectively. The properties are both located on Federally owned land (Parks Canada and CFB Esquimalt).
The presentation was also brought forward for discussion to the Councils of these municipalities and at this time none have chosen to do so. Furthermore, it is unconfirmed if CFB Esquimalt or Parks Canada have voiced support at this time. As a result a pre-feasibility study for the cable car gondola may not be appropriate without the support of these three key stakeholders. Therefore, staff recommends that the request for a pre-feasibility study of an overhead cable car gondola transit connector be received.
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT the request at the May 17, 2022 Council meeting for a pre-feasibility study of an overhead cable car gondola transit connector be received.
SUBMITTED BY: I. Leung, Director of Engineering
REVIEWED BY: K. Anema, Chief Administrative Officer
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