Design Concept
Design
The Prairie Sky stations are community hubs. They create new places within Edmonton that are accessible and inviting. Their architecture will be informed by the culture of each community within which they are situated. All buildings will be designed and constructed with energy-efficient materials, standards and controls. With a full 360-degree view, guests will be able to enjoy city and river valley views at every angle imaginable.
Check out our ropeway flyover!
Stations
The Downtown Station
Located: South of MacDonald Drive near TELUS House and ATB Tower
Theme: Emergence
Close to: The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, Edmonton’s Funicular
Playing off the natural slope of McDougall Hill, the Downtown Station's rooftop plaza will feature benches (and a stunning view) to invite pedestrians and passengers to spend time there. At the lower boarding level, the station will have a cafe, washrooms, gondola control room and station electrical room.
Ortona Armoury Station
Located: East of Rossdale Road and north of 97 Ave
Theme: Transit
Close to: Ortona Armoury Arts Building
Acting as a catalyst for transit-oriented development in the West Rossdale area and serving the population on both sides of 97 Ave, the Ortona Armoury Station features boarding on the second level, and a lower-level café, ticket station and community space.
Power Plant Station
Located: East of the historic Rossdale Power Plant
Theme: History
Close to: Rossdale Power Plant, North Saskatchewan River
The Rossdale Power Plant was designated as a Provincial Historic Resource in 2001 and this area is known to be culturally and archeologically significant, going back 10,000 years. The experience guests will have at this station is meant to share the Indigenous story and be a platform for reconciliation. The station will have a family-friendly casual and fine dinning restaurant, a winter friendly cafe, wedding, conference, and community space. We want this station to be a hub for River Valley users and visitors.
End of Steel Park Station
Located: South of Saskatchewan Drive, and east of Gateway Boulevard
Theme: Transit, past and present
Close to: Saskatchewan Drive
The station will preserve the historical significance of the End of Steel Park and the CN rail, incorporating the caboose and tracks into the station. The majority of the station’s space will be allocated to boarding, parking and maintenance bays.
Whyte Avenue Station
Located: The north-east corner of the intersection of Whyte Avenue and Gateway Boulevard
Theme: Tourism, both domestic and international
Close to: Whyte Avenue
Whyte Avenue is a pedestrian-friendly street close to the bike network and public transit. Near this station, parking must be in place for guests and tour buses. The street-level area will incorporate hardscaping and seating for pedestrians and tourists to enjoy, the second level will be dedicated to boarding and necessary controls, and the third level will display the upper gondola machinery amidst a restaurant. The second and third levels are proposed to cantilever over the sidewalk of Whyte Avenue to highlight the separation between the gondola system and the commercial space below. The concourse will be safe and publicly accessible 24/7.
Cabins
All cabins will have fold up, heated seats, air conditioning and guard rails to accommodate
mobility aids, bicycles, strollers, skis, etc.
The windows will be operable to provide airflow, with screens to prevent debris from leaving the cabin.
For security, each cabin will be equipped with two-way intercom communication
between the cabins and the stations.
There will also be an infotainment system to provide media, marketing and educational information to guests, including safety and security best practices.
A select few cabins will have a glass bottom that guests can opt to ride.
Cabins energy needs will be met by individual solar panels.