Underground multimedia experience will showcase Ottawa’s subterranean side in 2017

_ (press release) _ The Ottawa 2017 Bureau and Mayor Jim Watson, in collaboration with lead partner CIBC, announced today a world first: an impressive underground multimedia production in the city’s highly anticipated light rail train system.

The Confederation Line of Ottawa’s new Light Rail Transit (LRT) service is scheduled to launch in May 2018. To showcase this modern mode of travel and to build anticipation for this new era of transportation in the nation’s capital, the Lyon Station will be open to the public for a free, innovative multimedia experience in the summer of 2017.

“LRT is the most transformative project in Ottawa since the construction of the Rideau Canal. Trains will start running in 2018 and you can already sense the anticipation building,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “People are excited for the future and we want them to have a first glimpse of what that future looks like next year, when we host landmark celebrations for Canada’s 150

th

birthday.”

“In 2017, as Canadians mark the 150

th

anniversary of Confederation, Canada’s capital will itself be on the cusp of a new age of public transportation,” said the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre. “The Light Rail Transit project will support the single largest one-time reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in Ottawa’s history. Our government is extremely proud to support this turning point in Ottawa’s sustainable future.”

The production, which will run for a period of approximately ten weeks, will highlight this once-in-a-generation infrastructure project, its role in transforming Ottawa, and will galvanize the support and anticipation of Ottawa’s residents for the LRT network one year before it officially opens.

“As a funding partner for LRT in Ottawa, we’re delighted to be showcasing this important infrastructure investment in our future,” said Minister Yasir Naqvi (MPP, Ottawa Centre). “This exciting Ottawa 2017 Signature Event is an opportunity to highlight the opening of Confederation Line and Canadian innovation, creativity and excellence as part of what we’re celebrating as a country in 2017.”

“CIBC came on board as lead partner of Ottawa 2017 to help create memorable experiences for Canadians as we celebrate our 150th,” said Monique Giroux, Vice-President, Sponsorship Marketing & Strategic Partnerships, CIBC. “This sensory multimedia journey highlighting Ottawa’s thriving infrastructure is a great example of how we’re bringing our nation’s birthday celebrations to life for Canadians and visitors alike.”

Today’s announcement took place in the former Place de Ville theatre, which will be updated and included as part of the experience, alongside the newly built Lyon Station.

“Knowing the importance of the Confederation Line to Ottawa’s future, this was the very first concept that I proposed when I took the role of leading the Ottawa 2017 celebrations, and this is the program element that I’m most proud of,” said Guy Laflamme, Executive Director of the Ottawa 2017 Bureau. “This Ottawa 2017 Signature Event will be more than just entertainment. We want to elevate people’s souls and inspire them to do great things, in 2017 and beyond.”

Following an open, competitive process, Moment Factory, a world-renowned Canadian production company, has been commissioned to bring Guy Laflamme’s original concept of an underground experience to life. Moment Factory is no stranger to creating large-scale productions in Ottawa, having produced the original version of Mosaika in 2010, the popular sound and light show on Parliament Hill.

“At Moment Factory, we tell stories with light, video and sound. But more than this, we bridge the divide between the digital and physical realms to allow a sense of magic to flourish,” said Sakchin Bessette, Co-Founder, Moment Factory. “We are honoured to collaborate with Ottawa 2017 on this futuristic, momentum-building project to tell the story of a city in motion toward an innovative and connected future.”

The full concept and title of the underground multimedia experience will be revealed soon.

Ottawa 2017 is thrilled to present this project as one of its Signature Events and thanks our lead partner CIBC, the Government of Ontario, Ottawa Tourism and the Government of Canada for their contributions. To make this exciting event happen in its remarkable subterranean location, Ottawa 2017 is collaborating with the City of Ottawa’s Rail Implementation Office, Brookfield Office Properties and Rideau Transit Group, the consortium delivering the Confederation Line, the first stage of Ottawa’s LRT project.

For more information on the Lyon Station cavern and Confederation Line, visit http://www.ligneconfederationline.ca/ .

Canada’s 150

th

celebrations will offer Canadians and visitors from around the world an exceptional and memorable year of high-caliber experiences while bringing a record number of visitors to Ottawa in 2017 to celebrate this important milestone for our country.

Photos for media use, courtesy Ottawa 2017: http://ow.ly/WntCV Video for media use, courtesy Ottawa 2017: https://vimeo.com/160841367 Stay informed on plans for Canada’s 150

th

birthday celebrations in the capital. Visit ottawa2017.ca , follow us on Twitter @2017ottawa (#Ottawa2017) and on Facebook .