As the Calgary Stampede gets underway, one of its most iconic attractions, the WestJet Skyride, is marking a major milestone, with a strong Cochrane connection behind the scenes.
The WestJet Skyride, which has carried millions of riders above the Stampede midway since 1976, is now in its 50th year of operation. For the last eight years, Cochrane’s Darryn Monaghan and his family business, Quadra Industrial, have been behind the scenes keeping the ride safe and running smoothly.
“We bought the business in 2017, but it’s been maintaining and operating the WestJet Skyride for 48 of its 50 years,” said Monaghan. “It’s a real family venture, my wife and three kids are involved every summer.”
Monaghan says the operation ramps up in a big way during the Stampede’s 11-day run. The family, along with a team of schoolteachers and principals, who double as operators, put in long hours with early starts and late nights to make sure the ride is safe and efficient.
“It’s the most rewarding job we do as a company,” he said. “We start at 9 a.m., but we’re on-site at least an hour earlier to do full safety checks. Some nights we don’t wrap up until nearly 1 a.m.”
Riders board the WestJet Skyride every six seconds, making it the only continuously loading ride on the grounds. Floating 30 feet above the crowds, the lift gives passengers a one-of-a-kind view of the Stampede grounds and Calgary skyline. It’s a must-do for many returning guests, some of whom have been riding it for decades.
“People love to share their memories. A few years ago, someone even brought a voucher from 1981,” Monaghan said with a laugh. “We get to know some of the regulars and hear why it’s so special to them. That’s part of the joy of it.”
Despite overseeing the ride every year, Monaghan admits he doesn’t ride it much himself, preferring to stay on the ground in case any issues come up.
“It's 50 years old, and sometimes something as small as a loose wire can throw things off,” he said. “I want to be there to troubleshoot anything immediately.”
This year also marks the end of an era. A new hotel development is planned for the north end of the midway, right where the WestJet Skyride currently finishes. That means big changes are coming for the attraction.
“This is the last year the Skyride will look like this,” said Monaghan. “If people want to experience it in its classic form one more time, or for the first time, now’s the time.”
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Though based in Cochrane since purchasing the business, the Monaghan family has been deeply connected to Stampede tradition, and now, to a ride that’s been part of Calgary’s summer for half a century.
“We love Cochrane, but every summer, Stampede becomes our second home,” he said. “Being a part of this history, it’s something really special.”
