After years in the making, the Okanagan Gondola has broken ground in the hills above Kalamalka Lake.
The Okanagan’s latest tourism attraction will be built on a 120 hectare site near Predator Ridge, more specifically west of Bailey Road and south of Commonage Road.
On Thursday, representatives from the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO), project investors and team members from Ridge North America (RNA) held a ceremony to mark the start of construction.
“This project has the unique characteristic of creating something truly special for both residents and visitors,” added David McKenna, president of RNA.
“It’s rewarding to be part of something that connects people to the outdoors in such a meaningful way.”
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The developers, which are the same group behind the Golden Skybridge, say the project will offer breathtaking views, immersive trails and an elevated dining experience.
The first phase will include the construction of the gondola’s summit station and base area.
When completed, the gondola will take visitors from the base, near the Okanagan Rail Trail, and climb about 1,600 feet to the resort/restaurant.
“We’re looking forward to building an experience that celebrates the landscape and spirit of the Okanagan region,” said Rupert Harper, general manager of Okanagan Gondola with RDN.
The project was first introduced to the RDNO in 2022. It was further reviewed in October 2023 and April 2024.
Most recently, the RDNO’s Greater Vernon Advisory Committee received a memo detailing a summary of issues that still persist for the mega tourism project.
That includes issues with connecting the goal to the Greater Vernon Water Utility (GVWU).
“Currently, based upon this history, the RDNO has no formal direction on boundary extensions (generally) or specific direction as to the Okanagan Gondola Ltd. project,” said the report presented to the committee earlier this month.
A motion to pause an extension of the Greater Vernon Water service area until Vernon's next Master Water Plan was completed was rejected in February, which contributed to the uncertainty.
There are also concerns about the high costs to service the gondola and connect it to the water utility.
However, no decision was made at the July 2 meeting but it is expected to be revisited in the fall.
