The Grand Opening of the funicular took place on December 9, 2017.
takes visitors and residents alike from 100 Street by the Hotel Macdonald down to the area around the Low Level Bridge. A staircase runs alongside the funicular, which leads to a promenade before opening out to a pedestrian bridge over Grierson Hill with a lookout over the North Saskatchewan River. The locals have devised a new exercise regimen associated with the funicular in which they ride it down then race it back up on the staircase. One of the locals was involved in said exercise when we rode the funicular.
Upon opening, the funicular achieved instant status as a favored tourist attraction, in no small part due to its rarity in this part of the world.
100 Street Funicular
Components of the Project
The Promontory (Top Platform) - The platform allows users to take advantage of the amazing views from the top of the bank near the Hotel Macdonald.
The Stairs - A place to linger, to stop and sit, or to get in your daily workout. There is a bike rail for cyclists that runs the length of the stairs.
The 100 Street Funicular - With plenty of space for wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, and bikes, the glass-enclosed funicular descends from the top of the bank to the promenade above the valley floor. It fits up to 20 people.
The Promenade - It includes a grassy seating area with benches and an art piece called Turbulent inspired by the unique water patterns of the North Saskatchewan River and created by Jill Anhold, based in Vancouver.
The Bridge - Connecting the promenade to the lookout, the bridge provides safe passage across Grierson Hill Road.
The Frederick G. Todd Lookout - A glass railing and built-in seating allows a seamless way to take in the flow of the river and the downtown skyline.
The Elevator - From the bridge, an elevator and a staircase will connect the Mechanized River Valley Access to the existing trail system and Louise McKinney Park, the Low Level Bridge, and the Rossdale/River Crossing area. It holds up to 10 people.
Mechanized access will create a new destination in our city: an innovative, barrier-free system that will allow people to enjoy both our vibrant downtown and our amazing river valley within minutes.
History - The $24 million project budget was funded by the River Valley Alliance supported by the provincial and federal governments, and the City of Edmonton.
On June 23, 2015, City Council approved the construction of this project. Construction began in March 2016, and was completed early December 2017.
Monthly Maintenance - Maintenance activities include, but are not limited to, haul rope inspection, brake inspection, hydraulic inspection, mechanical systems inspection, review of safety features and programming revisions.
From the City of Edmonton