Project Background

In April, 2009, Near North Mobile Media Lab Director and documentary film maker, Lieann Koivukoski attended an information meeting held by Minister Tony Clement and officials from the government with community “stakeholders” and residents. At this town meeting, Lieann undertook research for a documentary she is planning on security forces at global events. She inquired at that time if the media Lab would be allowed to document the G8 meeting if a press pass could be obtained. Lieann filmed this media event and the public interview with the Minister. We are still waiting for the press pass, but feel that this first official contact has got us in the door and, as we approach the actual event, we will be able to get more official permissions and sanctions.

At that same meeting, Lieann met the owners of Maplewood Cottages, down the road from Deerhurst Resort. After learning about the activities of the Lab and about the N2M2L Collective, the owners of this Bed and Breakfast have allowed the collective to park the Media Lab on their property. Again, we feel that this groundwork will lead to better positioning as we approach the event and will give us the “local” connections that we need to set up a residency on the site of the G8 summit.