Canillo Approves Six Land Deals to Push Forward Armiana Cable Car Project

The Canillo parish council has approved six agreements with landowners to advance the Armiana cable car project, despite ongoing opposition from two remaining property owners.

In a recent council session, the agreements were validated, covering land purchases, overflight rights, and commitments to safety measures in affected areas. Three deals involve buying land overflown by the cable car, totaling around 120,000 euros. The largest, near the Armiana path arrival point, costs 112,600 euros and will also support complementary services. Two smaller plots in a red-risk rockfall zone will be acquired at 50 euros per square metre. Another agreement provides early land transfer, while two others ensure safety works.

The project remains stalled with two of the eight affected owners, who recently declared negotiations closed. Canillo's first consul, Jordi Alcobé, acknowledged "opposition and hostility" but stressed the council's intent to persevere. "We have confidence, though it does not mean we will succeed," he said, defending the initiative's public interest. It would enhance safety on the Ordino pass road, cut pollution, better organise village traffic by linking both cable cars, and provide concentrated parking.

Alcobé declined to detail alternatives if talks fail, stating only that solutions would be explored. He prioritised the "parish and public interest."

The session also approved the Palau de Gel's 2025 accounts, showing a deficit of about 700,000 euros—down sharply from 1.63 million the prior year. Revenues rose to roughly 3.2 million euros, boosted by managing the Roc del Quer viewpoint and Tibetan Bridge. Alcobé called the results satisfactory despite losses, citing disruptions like an August pool closure, and highlighted the facility's social value. Reforms aim to cut structural deficits through expanded gym space, improved dining, and enhanced offerings.

A 60,000-euro tourist bus service was awarded to Novatel and Andbus, running hourly from 1 July past Meritxell between Bordes d'Envalira and Meritxell. Free for parish hotel guests, it targets traffic relief and visitor convenience. Summer attractions include a Soldeu maze, Tarter inflatables, and combined tickets for sites like the Moto Museum and viewpoints.