A proposal for a gondola, which has divided residents of Squamish, will go to a public meeting tonight.
Proponents say the lift, set to be built on crown land between the Stawamus Chief and Shannon Falls would create jobs and boost tourism.
But local resident and environmentalist Brian Vincent says opening up the backcountry to thousands of new visitors each year could prove dangerous.
“If you’re going to be transporting thousands of people up near the chief, and introducing those people — many of whom have no experience dealing with large predators like bears and cougars — there’s going to be encounters. No doubt about it.”
Even without the gondola, Vincent claims human-wildlife encounters are on the rise in Squamish.
He points to a notice issued yesterday by conservation officers, warning of a hungry cougar in the Valleycliffe neighbourhood.
About The Reporter
