Cheam First Nation proposes motocross lease on Bridal Falls golf course ahead of Popkum motor park closure

CHILLIWACK — A Chilliwack-area First Nation is flying the green through a new proposed project in Bridal Falls, with the community set to lose a motor park later this year and the gondola project going on for a decade since its introduction.

Cheam First Nation is negotiating a short-term two-year lease with Moto Energy Inc. to build an outdoor motocross facility for the golf course clubhouse and driving range the community recently acquired.

• Chilliwack-area First Nation to consider purchase of area driving range for gondola

The $1.5 million parcel, located just outside of Cheam Reserve lands in the Fraser Valley Regional District, will have to comply with applicable FVRD land use regulations and approval processes.

“To be clear: there will be absolutely no track build until we are fully approved by both the community and the FVRD,” said Moto Energy Inc.

Preliminary sound testing results for the lease application have reportedly shown noise levels leave minimal impact on surrounding properties.

Closing doors and a lift in legislative limbo

The company thanked Popkum Motor Park for its 17 years of supporting motocross racing in the region, saying “Their commitment gave riders a place to grow and build community, and we have nothing but respect and appreciation for everything they’ve contributed to the sport.”

Popkum Motor Park has announced it will be permanently closing its tracks on November 30 this year due to logistical zoning issues for the 100-acre property.

In comparison, Clubhouse Moto Park is proposed to have a total of 7.5 acres of racing track, which Moto Energy has acknowledged to be smaller than a traditional motocross facility.

The facility will be limited to the area highlighted in orange. (Image Credit: Cheam First Nation)

The project remains important to Cheam First Nation despite its size.

“The proposed lease provides an opportunity to activate and maintain this portion of the property while the Cascade Skyline Gondola project continues through its planning and regulatory process,” said the community.

For now, both parties are hoping for the best.

“What we’re asking from our Moto Energy riders and followers is simple: patience and support as we navigate this process,” wrote Moto Energy. “The momentum is real, the vision is locked in, and the community behind this is stronger than ever.”

Cascade Skyline began as the Bridal Falls gondola project in 2016.

A public land use application and engagement opportunities were conducted as of the last update from the B.C. government in September 2025.