The Vancouver Park Board recently voted to install a temporary zip line in Queen Elizabeth Park this summer to help celebrate the park’s 75th anniversary. Board chair John Coupar said the zip line would likely run from June through September.
“It’s really like an aerial trail, and a great way to see Vancouver from its highest point and soar over one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. I actually can’t wait to take the first ride,” he said.
Greenheart International Development Corp., of Vancouver installed and operates the 600-foot zip line. The firm has constructed nearly 20 zip lines and canopy walkways around the globe, including sites at Grouse Mountain and near Whistler, on Las Vegas’ Fairmont Street, as well as other temporary installations at the 2011 Burning Man and in downtown Vancouver during the 2010 Winter Olympics.
As part of the deal, Vancouver gets a share of the profits if the zip line generates more than $75,000 in revenue.
“Basically it’s a cost-sharing in terms of the revenue. We don’t get any money until it reaches a certain level ,to pay back cost of installation,” Coupar said.
In its project proposal, Greenheart estimated the zip line would attract between 2,500 and 5,000 daily visitors for the four-month summer period (June through September) for a total of 10,000 to 20,000 visitors. Tickets are $15 to $20, netting an estimated $150,000 to $400,000 by season’s end, with $22,500 to $60,000 being paid to the city.
