Hon. Alice Wong, P.C.

The following was a joint press release between the federal Western Economic Diversification Canada and provincial Ministry of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development:

DIGITAL GATEWAY OPENS AT ROBSON SQUARE

VANCOUVER – The Digital Gateway, an interactive digital wall and the latest attraction at the British Columbia Showcase at Robson Square, was opened today by Iain Black, Minister of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development and Alice Wong, Member of Parliament for Richmond and Parliamentary Secretary for Multiculturalism.

“I am pleased that we are able to celebrate the launch of the Digital Gateway installation at Robson Square today,” said Wong on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. “This project is just one example of the opportunities the Games will provide to showcase the exciting business and high technology opportunities in western Canada.”

Located adjacent to the skating rink at GE Plaza, the 33.5-metre- (110-foot) long Digital Gateway whisks visitors on a virtual tour highlighting the innovation of companies thriving in Western Canada. Seventeen animated stories are revealed and controlled by the audience as they move through the Corridor. Forty-five infrared sensors pick-up and react to motions and actions, resulting in changes to the animation, sounds and visuals. Effects speed-up or slow-down based on the speed and the movement of the audience. Switch Interactive, a Vancouver firm, was selected to design the interactive program.

“Vancouver is the place to be in 2010 and the heart of the action is at Robson Square,” said Black. “More than 50 events will take place in the BC Showcase during the time of the Games. The Digital Gateway will show visiting business delegations and VIPs what Western Canada, especially British Columbia, is all about from a trade and investment perspective.”

Funding of $1.9 million for the corridor and Robson Square spaces was provided by the governments of Canada and British Columbia through the Canada-British Columbia Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA).

Under WEPA, both Canada and British Columbia are contributing $25 million each, over four years, to strengthen economic activity and improve quality of life in western Canadian communities.

For more information about British Columbia Showcase, including a video, please visit http://www.2010commercecentre.com/About/Facilities/BCShowcase.aspx.

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