Vancouver falls right in the middle of a sampling of Canadian and U.S. cities in terms of business costs, according to the report (see chart). The city, however, is key to BC's success in attracting business.
      Recent research by Colliers International (www.colliers.com) reveals healthy real estate transaction activity in Greater Vancouver. "The technology sector set the pace for the year [2000], demanding large blocks of space with immediate delivery and the flexibility for expansion," reads a section of the firm's Greater Vancouver Office Market Update. "A sampling of deals completed in 2000 shows the high-tech sector accounting for [53 percent] of the new tenancies. As a result, more than 75 percent of the projects announced in 2000 were aimed toward the technology industries."
      Vancouverites will also lead the way on a new BC advisory group, appointed by Premier Gordon Campbell, designed to formulate policy and strategy for attracting high-tech business across the entire province. National statistics show that BC is the most connected province in the country, with six out of every 10 people having Internet access -- and most of those six likely to be in the Vancouver area.