The doors at CBC Hamilton were wide open for the first time Tuesday. The CBC's new digital service launches in Hamilton on Thursday.

Kristine Stewart, vice-president of CBC English language services, spoke to invited guests including Mayor Bob Bratina, Councillors Jason Farr and Brian McHattie. Local bloggers, business people, local media, police chief Glenn DeCaire and others were on hand to hear Stewart and CBC Hamilton executive producer Roger Gillespie talk about the broadcaster's new service.

CBC officials gave the crowd a preview of the service that will be open to the public starting Thursday. Gillespie and Stewart said the site would allow the CBC to feature Hamilton on the national stage and help provide people in Hamilton with useful information in an innovate way.

The new CBC station also promises to cover events and breaking news that matter to the people who live in Hamilton.