Interactive media centre opens its doors

On the third floor, a man in a black body suit swings a mock battle axe.

Sensors around him connect to a large screen that captures his motion.

On the floor below, a device carves out a precise 3-D colour replica of a chain-link image.

This is just a taste of what can be done at a cutting-edge digital media facility that officially opened Friday.

It's called "the Generator at one," — a $3-million expansion to the the Niagara Interactive Media Generator at One St. Paul St. in St. Catharines.

The goal is to create new business and link partners in industry, economic development and post-secondary education.

Ultimately, the facility aims to become an international destination for creating the highest-end digital interactive media.

"This was built on time, under budget, and is a facility that exceeds its value," said Jeff Chesebrough, executive director of nGen, who spoke at the Generator's grand opening.

"We stretched every dollar as far as it would go," he said.

"And we honestly believe that we created a truly revolutionary facility here."

The opening also coincides with three new tenants at the three-floor facility — 211 Interactive, Brock University and Niagara College.

Both Brock and Niagara will use technology provided at nGen and integrate it into school curriculum and training.

The hope is also to have students spin off their work into employment, business projects and other collaborations.

"This is exactly the type of venture Niagara needs," said St. Catharines MP Rick Dykstra, one of several who spoke at the grand opening.

"Now students interested in high-tech industries like digital interactive media will not have to leave the region to pursue their goals."

The new centre shows what can happen when diverse partners work together for a common purpose, Dykstra said.

"And this is (also) toward a goal of creating good jobs in a growth industry."

Work on the expansion started in January and was completed recently.

Funding for the Generator came from the federal government's Community Adjustment Fund.

In an interview, Chesebrough said there's the potential for dozens of new jobs as a result of the Generator, but it will take time as new business is created.