The Burnaby Mountain Gondola would provide a fast, frequent, and reliable service between the SkyTrain and Burnaby Mountain.

Source: TransLink

Project Overview:
The Burnaby Mountain Gondola project aims to establish a swift, dependable, and efficient transportation link between the SkyTrain and Burnaby Mountain. This gondola system offers increased service frequency, the ability to transport more passengers per hour compared to other transportation methods, a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants, and lower operational costs when contrasted with buses.

As the inclusion of the gondola in the Mayors’ 10-Year Priorities underscores its significance, TransLink will persist in its technical evaluation while crafting a comprehensive business case, and will periodically update the public with fresh information. Collaboration with the Province of British Columbia, the City of Burnaby, Simon Fraser University, kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem First Nation), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Nation), Sḵwxw̱ ú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) remains a top priority.

A new phase of public engagement for 2023, along with the release of updated technical findings, will be announced in the near future.

Why Choose a Gondola?
On most days of the year, approximately 25,000 journeys are made up and down Burnaby Mountain, serving various purposes such as commuting to school or work, conducting business, and enjoying recreational activities. Furthermore, the residential community of UniverCity, currently home to around 7,000 residents, is anticipated to grow to approximately 9,000 residents in the foreseeable future.

Currently, travelers heading to Burnaby Mountain often face unpredictable travel durations, including instances of buses reaching full capacity and passing waiting customers. With the mountain’s population continuing to expand, these challenges will also grow in scale.

Relying on more buses will not address our existing and forthcoming capacity issues. Extensive studies conducted over the past decade have consistently demonstrated that a gondola service represents the optimal choice for accommodating high-capacity transit to Burnaby Mountain. This investment is a one-time opportunity to bolster capacity for the next 30+ years, enabling quicker transportation up the hill compared to buses, delivering improved service frequency and reliability, and extending our rapid transit network to become a more appealing alternative for drivers.

Endorsed Burnaby Mountain Gondola Route

Burnaby Mountain Gondola Route. Picture source: TransLink website

Project Timeline:

Technical Assessment and Public Engagement (2020-2021)

Comprehensive technical analysis of gondola systems and route alternatives conducted. Two rounds of public engagement held to disseminate information on gondolas, route options, assessment criteria, and to gather input from stakeholders.

Route Selection Report (Summer 2021)

Preparation and sharing of a route selection report with Burnaby Council and the Mayors’ Council on Regional Transportation. The outcome of technical work and engagement feedback led to the identification of a preferred route: Route 1, the direct route from Production Way–University Station to SFU’s Burnaby campus.

Business Case Development (2022-2023)

Continuation of technical analysis focusing on the approved route. Ongoing engagement with Indigenous Nations is maintained, with future public engagement opportunities scheduled.

Transport 2050: 10-Year Priorities (2022)

Inclusion of the gondola project in TransLink’s Transport 2050: 10-Year Priorities.

Upcoming Public Engagement (2023)

The next round of public engagement will unveil updated technical findings for the approved route and seek further input from stakeholders.

Investment Plan and Project Approval (Timing To Be Determined)

For the project to advance, it must secure a place in an investment plan sanctioned by the TransLink Board and Mayors’ Council on Regional Transportation. This phase is forthcoming for the project.

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Tags: Burnaby Mountain Gondola