Manitoba industry will soon have access to a new state of the art Virtual Reality Research and Innovation Centre thanks to $750,000 in support from the Government of Canada under the Winnipeg Development Agreement (WDA), and another $750,000 in funding from the Province of Manitoba.

The funding was announced today by Brian Tobin, Minister of Industry, Ron J. Duhamel, Minister of Veterans Affairs, and Secretary of State (Western Economic Diversification) (Francophonie), Jean Friesen, Manitoba Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Maryann Mihychuk, Manitoba Minister of Industry, Trade and Mines, and Winnipeg Mayor Glen Murray.

The new $1.5 million Centre is jointly funded by the Government of Canada under the Winnipeg Development Agreement ($750,000) and the Province of Manitoba under the Canada-Manitoba Economic Development Partnership Agreement, (EDPA) ($250,000). "The Province of Manitoba will also be providing $500,000 through the Industrial Technology Centre, a Special Operating Agency of the Manitoba Government that provides technology services to Manitoba manufacturers on a fee-for-service basis."

"The world is constantly changing, and if we are going to keep up, we must ensure Canadians have the tools they need to compete in the global economy," said Minister Tobin. "An innovative economy driven by research and development is essential to creating opportunities for Canadians".

Building on the earlier success of the introduction of advanced computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided engineering (CAE) tools at the Industrial Technology Centre (ITC), the Manitoba Virtual Reality Research and Innovation Centre will provide a leading-edge innovation service for Manitoba companies. This Virtual Reality Centre will give Manitoba industry a competitive edge through the use of visualization technology to improve product design and lower costs.

"The ability for engineers to design, test and simulate in an interactive 3D environment will revolutionize manufacturing and planning in the 21st century," said Minister Duhamel. "This new technology will not only benefit businesses today, but will be a valuable resource for our future generations. It will ensure that our youth have the tools and skills they will need to compete in the future global economy".

Once the Virtual Reality Centre is set up at the Industrial Technology Centre Manitoba firms would be able to buy access on a fee-for-service basis by buying time at the Centre.

"Research is key in the new economy," said Minister Friesen. "Developing such state of the art facilities will provide opportunities to keep our young people in Manitoba."

The ITC will team up with Silicon Graphics - the global supplier of high-performance interactive computing systems - to establish the Centre. Silicon Graphics will provide the technical expertise and the Centre's super computer system. The company is renowned for its high-performance computers that produced the special effects images in Star Wars; Episode One: The Phantom Menace as well as in Jurassic Park.

"Establishment of the Virtual Reality Centre will increase the competitiveness of Manitoba businesses in the global economy," said Minister Mihychuk. "Through initiatives such as this, we are able to enhance the attractiveness of the province as a leader in research, technology, training and development. We are pleased to be able to join with all our community partners in this innovative initiative."

New display technologies now provide the means of creating visually immersive environments where product and process concepts can be modeled, creating virtual environments for designing, testing and exhibiting virtual products and processes. Visually immersive virtual reality systems are revolutionizing applications in conceptualizing, design and testing, simulation, planning, education and training, research and marketing.

"We're thrilled that the federal and provincial governments are recognizing Winnipeg as a centre for information technology, and are continuing their strong commitment to the development of this sector of the economy." said Mayor Murray.

Virtual Reality will allow industry to simulate a new product before it is built. Manufacturers can use virtual environment technology to design anything from bus engines to medical equipment with computer images that show how two-dimensional planes will actually look and feel in a three-dimensional world.

The establishment of this Centre will ensure that Manitoba's small and medium sized businesses can access this technology which can significantly reduce production costs and enhance competitiveness by lowering both the cost and time related to product development.

The Winnipeg Development Agreement is a five-year, $75-million commitment by the governments of Canada, Manitoba and Winnipeg to the long-term sustainable economic development of the city. The citywide initiative focuses on labour force development, strategic and sectoral investments, and the development and safety of Winnipeg communities.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Mark Gale
Communications Officer
Western Economic Diversification Canada
(204) 983-3119

Graham Gork
Communications Coordinator
Government of Manitoba
(204) 945-5795
 
Jack Marquardson
City of Winnipeg
(204) 986-2379

Naline Rampersad
Press Secretary
Minister Duhamel's Office
(613) 995-7720