The controversial, privately-funded Prairie Sky Gondola project is one step closer to becoming a reality following an 8-5 vote in favour of moving onto the next phase by Edmonton City Council..Prairie Sky is expected to create 80 permanent, full-time jobs and generate $1 million in Edmonton’s annual revenue..Ward 3 Coun. Jon Dziadyk was among those who voted in favour of the $155 million project, despite holding reservations over its financial feasibility and possible taxpayer involvement..“I have heard and share your concerns about the potential of taxpayer funds going towards this project, despite it being privately-funded for construction and operation,” said Dziadyk, in a statement on social media..Concerning its service continuity or demobilization, he said: “I am happy to announce that an important legal clause was included to de-risk the project for taxpayers.”.The clause will ensure that Prairie Sky sets aside sufficient money for decommissioning the project if the company goes bankrupt..Addressing widely-circulating misinformation about the Gondola vote, Dziadyk stated: “It is not the job of government to tell private businesses they will or will not succeed. As an urban planner, this is the first time I have seen privately-funded development, and it is a huge undertaking.”.He clarified this is only a checkpoint. There is still a lot of work Prairie Sky has to do before the final approval. It remains committed to the River Valley Environmental Impact Study and continued Indigenous engagement..Dhaliwal is the Western Standard’s Edmonton reporter
