Olympic zip line planned for Vancouver

SFUVancouver · #1 Posted **Nov 5, 2009, 7:52 PM**

The Olympic Fun Zone is taking shape in downtown Vancouver, and the plans include a hair-raising attraction.

A zip line is being planned to come through Robson Square in the heart of downtown. It will start at Hornby Street and swoop to the corner of Robson and Howe Streets, landing near a Chapter's book store. There will be two lines zipping side-by-side.

The province of British Columbia won't confirm the plans, but Zip Trick Eco-Tours confirms that they have been asked to build it.

It will only be in town for a limited town. The urban thrill-ride will be packed up once the Olympic Games are complete.

They still need building permits to confirm and build the project. Rides on the zipline are expected to be free.

Source: CTV

sacrifice333 · #2 Posted **Nov 5, 2009, 8:36 PM**

sweet... forget eco-zipping... urban-zipping is the new black!

CBeats · #3 Posted **Nov 5, 2009, 8:39 PM**

That's so cool! I can't wait...

...but being free, I'm sure there will be a hella huge lineup to ride.

Metro-One · #4 Posted **Nov 5, 2009, 8:42 PM**

This is something they should make permanent. An urban zip line would be a unique attraction for Vancouver, a good way to showoff all the towers we have built.

mooks28 · #5 Posted **Nov 5, 2009, 8:42 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Metro-One

This is something they should make permanent. An urban zip line would be a unique attraction for Vancouver, a good way to showoff all the towers we have built.

I don't think tourists come here for the towers lol...

Yume-sama · #6 Posted **Nov 5, 2009, 8:47 PM**

Yes, they should really charge a nominal fee, the lineups will be HUGE. Much like Canada Line opening day lineups.

Then as soon as you charge someone $3, no lineups.

SpongeG · #7 Posted **Nov 5, 2009, 8:56 PM**

who wants to pitch in and set up a hot dog cart at the line up with me? maybe sell some hot chocolate and olympic merchandise too

Yume-sama · #8 Posted **Nov 5, 2009, 9:04 PM**

Hmm, too bad the city is clamping down on HotDog stands and street vendors during the Olympics.

Otherwise it could be a gold mine!

Distill3d · #9 Posted **Nov 5, 2009, 9:11 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yume-sama

Hmm, too bad the city is clamping down on HotDog stands and street vendors during the Olympics.

Otherwise it could be a gold mine!

WTF? Why? Street Meat is the heart and soul of any city.

wrenegade · #10 Posted **Nov 5, 2009, 9:32 PM**

This sounds like a great idea, but I agree with charging a small nominal fee, otherwise the lines will definitely be retarded. Although I guess from Hornby to Howe is a pretty short trip.

Yume-sama · #11 Posted **Nov 5, 2009, 9:37 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Distill3d

WTF? Why? Street Meat is the heart and soul of any city.

My understanding is they'll still be there, they will just be limited in items they can sell. JapaDog, for example, has signs saying they can't sell certain things at their stands due to the Olympics, but, if you go to JapaDog retail locations... like the one opening up on Robson St., they will be able to. This is partially why I believe they are opening these restaurants. They are being VERY strict with regards to street vendors, the next 6 months or so.

Chikinlittle · #12 Posted **Nov 5, 2009, 9:39 PM**

Any ideas where on Hornby Street the zip line would start from, and from how high up? I'm thinking on the top corner of the Electric Avenue Condos (corner of Hornby/Smithe above Earls).

clooless · #13 Posted **Nov 5, 2009, 9:58 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yume-sama

My understanding is they'll still be there, they will just be limited in items they can sell. JapaDog, for example, has signs saying they can't sell certain things at their stands due to the Olympics, but, if you go to JapaDog retail locations... like the one opening up on Robson St., they will be able to. This is partially why I believe they are opening these restaurants. They are being VERY strict with regards to street vendors, the next 6 months or so.

Um, what can't they sell and why? I don't get this.

For the record, JapaDog is awesome. I used to hit the Flying Wedge when I was downtown, but JapaDog is just too good.

Anyway, this zip line is actually a really cool idea.

officedweller · #14 Posted **Nov 5, 2009, 11:07 PM**

My guess is that it's just the drop in elevation of Robson Square.

SpongeG · #15 Posted **Nov 5, 2009, 11:11 PM**

the cTV report showed the vantage point form the NW corner of the law building looking towards chapters

Metro-One · #16 Posted **Nov 5, 2009, 11:17 PM**

If not perminant, they should at least make such an urban zip line an annual summer event.

Honestly, this is such a cool idea and would be very unique for Van.

EdinVan · #17 Posted **Nov 5, 2009, 11:36 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by awvan

This sounds like a great idea, but I agree with charging a small nominal fee, otherwise the lines will definitely be retarded.

Do you have to keep using the word 'retarded' all the time? That's a very insulting term.

ckkelley · #18 Posted **Nov 6, 2009, 12:25 AM**

This is totally cool news!! I can't wait to see these frequent flyers!

SpongeG · #19 Posted **Nov 6, 2009, 1:37 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by clooless

Um, what can't they sell and why? I don't get this.

For the record, JapaDog is awesome. I used to hit the Flying Wedge when I was downtown, but JapaDog is just too good.

Anyway, this zip line is actually a really cool idea.

maybe they can't sell non-coke products? like their beverage selection can only be coke?

sounds weird that there are going to be restrictions anywhere

Yume-sama · #20 Posted **Nov 6, 2009, 1:40 AM**

One of the items they are not allowed to sell is the "Misomayo" because of the miso, I would assume. They say the health department is more strict for the Olympics, but you will be able to buy it AFTER the Olympics, and from their store. So, it is weird