The Fake Lake, Close Up

reveals another hyperbolic media overkill:

After hyping it up beyond all recognition, some reporters couldn't believe what they were seeing.

"“This is it?” was the disappointed reaction from several Canadian reporters who apparently expected a substantial water body and got a modest, centimetres-deep pond smaller than the fountains found in many shopping malls."

G20 fake lake revealed

"The pool, costing $57,000, is meant to simulate the charm of Ontario's cottage country in the heart of downtown Toronto, giving journalists a taste of Huntsville, Ont., where the G8 summit will be held Friday before the G20 begins in Toronto on Saturday."

[---]

"Huntsville Mayor Claude Doughty, who tested out one of the Muskoka chairs, said the exhibit reminds him of home. He wondered if he'd see images of his house on Fairy Lake flash on the screen in front of him.

He figures the display is sure to inspire foreign visitors to travel to the Muskoka area.

"If you're sitting here, how can you not want to go there?" he asked."

[---]

"The lake is part of a $1.9-million tourism pavilion called Experience Canada in the summit media centre that has come under criticism for being too costly."

[---]

"Motosada Matano, a Japanese press officer travelling with the 160 Japanese journalists covering the summit, says the display simply reinforced the image of Canada he already has.

"It's exactly the image I imagine, the beautiful scenery," said Matano, who had never been to Canada before he arrived three days ago.

The 3,700-square-metre Experience Canada pavilion includes the lake display to feature Ontario's northern wilderness and an urban section to promote Ontario businesses and innovations. A reception area offers refreshments, including free beer and wine, from all parts of Ontario.

"The Experience Canada space will host over 3,000 media and other guests, and will serve to highlight Canada's pristine natural beauty, as well as promote leading Canadian businesses and industries," according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office."