An exciting new attraction is coming to the City of Red Deer. An urban ropeway gondola is being constructed to connect the Bower Ponds area to the Capstone area over the Red Deer river. 

“Some cities don’t know how to react to unique ideas. Red Deer clearly is not one of those cities.” remarked Prairie Sky Gondola President Jeffrey Hansen-Carlson. “Red Deer is arguably one of the best communities in Alberta to invest in today. We are excited to have gotten to this moment but we are also inspired by the work that’s ahead of us. Talking about ideas is one thing. Doing them is another. And, the doing part is our business.” 

Prairie Sky Gondola has been working on the idea with the City of Red Deer for eight months to plan for the project. A Memorandum of Understanding is set to be signed by both parties this spring. 

Sketch of one of the gondola hubs. Photo courtesy of the Prairie Sky Gondola website. 

“The City’s vision, investment, and work on Capstone served as a critical catalyst for Prairie Sky Gondola’s decision to move forward as they reviewed this site,” announced Tara Lodewyk, Interim City Manager. “This, matched with the City’s openness and willingness to welcome experienced, private investment, have culminated to provide this unique proposed opportunity in Red Deer.” 

The ropeway valued at $25 million will provide a view of the Red Deer river and connect two recreational areas. 

“This project will highlight the natural beauty in our community while creating an attraction and destination in the heart of Capstone. The gondola will be an added tourism destination, the success of which will extend to local businesses and inspire further development,” said Mayor Ken Johnston. 

A timeline for the project will be released in the near future.