The results of Burnaby-Douglas MP Kennedy Stewart's telephone survey on the Burnaby Mountain gondola are in.
Direct Leap Technologies Incorporated surveyed more than 1,000 area residents on behalf of Stewart's office.
Of those surveyed, 47 per cent said they supported the plan, 39 per cent opposed it, and 14 per cent were undecided, according to a press release from Stewart's office.
"These survey results indicate that while the gondola has considerable support, TransLink will have to present a better plan if they hope to gain widespread backing for the project," Stewart said in the release. "While the plan has merits, many people I spoke to while door-knocking within the affected neighbourhoods are very concerned about the costs of the project and how it might impact the environment and their quality of life."
Stewart announced in early October that he would be conducting the survey.
Stewart, who was recently appointed associate natural resources critic for Western Canada by the New Democratic Party, wants to see a more inclusive consultation process on the project.
"In all fairness to TransLink, ours is a bit more thorough," he said of his consultation plan, adding both those for and against the project had mentioned that as an issue with the TransLink consultations.
While Stewart appreciated the information obtained through TransLink's research on the project, he said he wants a more comprehensive consultation to find out what his constituents think of it.
The first phase of Stewart's consultation process consisted of meetings and correspondence with stakeholders, while the second phase involves gathering opinions from affected local residents using in-person, mail and telephone surveys.
Two public meetings will also be held, according to Stewart.
Automated telephone technology will be used to phone the approximately 5,000 households in the affected area bounded by Duthie and North roads, and Barnet and Lougheed highways.
TransLink recently compiled its own consultation summary report on the gondola project, released on Sept. 12.
The majority of respondents did not think that the gondola was a good solution to solving some of the challenges of traveling to and from Burnaby Mountain.
Of 554 responses, 75 per cent strongly disagreed with the gondola as a solution, while only 15 per cent strongly agreed.
The primary concern for respondents was the cost of the project. The project's estimated cost is $120 million.
The gondola would run about 40 metres above the ground and tree canopy, over the Forest Grove neighbourhood, according to TransLink.
The line would include five towers, up to 70 metres tall, to support the cables. Tower locations have not yet been determined.
In total, 5,831 households were contacted by Direct Leap Technologies by phone for the survey.
