If Zeke Wolf has his way, Drumheller residents and visitors will be flying sky high with a view of the valley from a zipline.
The Mail brought readers the story of Wolf’s plan to build a zipline in the valley in October 2014. At the time, he was hoping to install a four-run zipline on town-owned land near the Passion Play site. Without a deal, it appears he has found another place for the project.
This week, he held an open house in Wayne to introduce the “DinoSoar Zipline Drumheller”. About a dozen came out to see the plan. The new location is on the west side of the Wayne Road near the third bridge at Sage Valley Marketing. So far, it has been well received.
“We feel construction should be able to get going some time in March next year,” he said, adding while most the course is on one site, he is still working with a couple landowners for agreements.
The course will have four runs; the first near the base is about 150 yards and will give a person a taste of the adventure before they venture on to the three zips that range upwards of 600 yards in length, and in some areas about 100 feet above the ground. The pitch of the runs could generate speeds in the area of 40 kilometres per hour.
One of the benefits he foresees is the project hiring as many as 16 employees during the busy season. The project also ascribes to a business plan where a portion of the income will be allocated to valley organizations.
He says there are also numerous opportunities for cross promotions with other valley attractions such as the Atlas Coal Mine, the East Coulee School Museum, Dinosaur Trail Golf Club and accommodations.
His projections do not foresee any major increases in road traffic, and because it operates from May to September, it will not interfere with hunting season.
One aspect of the project that is attractive to Wolf is that it uses land that cannot be used for much else.
“We are using terrain which is of absolutely no value, except for this, and the views are incredible,” he said.
To learn more contact Wolf at zwolf515@hotmail.com.
