When they first announced this thing, I didn't really get it, but having been there a few times with visitors to our city, it's actually a really nice addition to our city. Such a great place to appreciate the view, and a fun ride up and down to boot. It was even featured on the Amazing Race Canada.
Once they complete the 'river valley balcony' connecting the funicular to a scenic path that extends from crowne plaza to Shaw onwards, that area is going to be a major tourist hot spot! Not to mention if they end up connecting the urban gondola with a station that is proposed to be situated on the south end of Telus tower IIRC