Two new zip-lines will be constructed on Grouse Mountain following District of North Vancouver council approval Aug. 25.

The popularity of the existing zip-lines has already exceeded expectations, with an average of 140 trips per day, said Scott Ellis, Grouse Mountain's corporate vice-president.

The new lines will start at the very top of Grouse mountain, running 387 metres to the peak of Dam Mountain, while a shorter 260-m cable will bring people back.

The lines, which will be open in the spring, and will be faster, higher and longer than the existing three lines.

Visitors will speed down a suspended cable at more than 50 kilometres per hour. But the trip also includes an educational component about the native vegetation and its importance to the region's First Nations.

With the additional lines, the trip will take from two to 2* hours. The current trip lasts about one hour.

Ellis said that fewer than 15 trees will be cut to make room for the new lines.

Council supported the development, but cautioned against increasing stress on the surrounding community with additional visitors.

Coun. Alan Nixon acknowledged the role of Grouse as a year-round attraction.

But Nixon noted: "The impact on the community needs to be considered. One of the biggest concerns we hear from people is how the existence of pay parking at Grouse affects the surrounding community."

The exact cost is not yet known, but it will be more expensive than at present. The current trip costs $70, or $40 dollars for members, including the gondola up the mountain.

Source: canada.com