Ottawa – The Ottawa 2017 Bureau and Mayor Jim Watson, in collaboration with lead partner CIBC, are thrilled to welcome the Government of Ontario as a partner for Canada’s 150th birthday celebrations in the nation’s capital.

The Premier of Ontario, Kathleen Wynne, and Eleanor McMahon, Minister of Tourism, Culture & Sport, announced today a contribution of $9 million to Ottawa 2017. Through this investment, Ottawa 2017 will offer a diverse range of activities to highlight the 150th anniversary of Confederation, as well as mark the 150th anniversary of Ontario.

“The 150th anniversary of Confederation is an opportunity for people across our province to come together to celebrate our achievements and build a shared vision for the future,” said Premier Wynne. “Through Ontario150, our government will invest in people and infrastructure to help build a stronger and more inclusive province in the years ahead.”

“Our Ontario150 program will leave a lasting legacy for our communities, engage youth, encourage cultural expression and promote participation in sport and recreation, while creating jobs and economic opportunities in every corner of the province,” said Minister McMahon.

“This investment is a strong vote of confidence in our city, and it will have a significant impact on the caliber of celebrations being planned for Canada’s 150th birthday,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “Together with our provincial partners, we will ensure that Ottawa, our nation’s capital, shines brightly as we welcome Canadians and visitors from all over the world.”

Ottawa 2017 events supported by this announcement will include, among others, the Underground Multimedia Experience, Ottawa Welcomes the World, the Interprovincial Picnic on the Bridge, YOWttawa, Inspiration Village, La Machine, Agri 150, Red Bull Crashed Ice, Stanley Cup® 125th Anniversary celebrations, Canadian Videogame Awards happenings and other yet-to-be-announced events.

“In 2017, when CIBC marks its 150th anniversary along with Canada and the Province of Ontario, we are honoured to co-host landmark celebrations designed to inspire and strengthen our connections as Canadians,” said Stephen Forbes, Executive Vice President, CIBC. “Together with Ottawa 2017 and the Government of Ontario, we will help amplify these celebrations and offer Canadians and visitors from around the world an exceptional and memorable year of high-caliber experiences.”

Guy Laflamme, Executive Director of the Ottawa 2017 Bureau welcomed the announcement made today by Premier Wynne and Minister McMahon and noted that, “with the Government of Ontario’s support, we will showcase Ottawa like never before and create energizing moments for the millions of Canadians that will take part in these historic celebrations.”

Canada’s 150th celebrations will offer Canadians and visitors from around the world an exceptional and memorable year of exciting experiences while bringing a record number of visitors to Ottawa in 2017 to celebrate this important milestone for our country.

Ottawa 2017 thanks our lead partner CIBC, premier partner Bell, the Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada for their contributions in helping to deliver twelve full months of bold events, immersive experiences and all-out celebrations.

Photos for media use, courtesy Ottawa 2017: http://ow.ly/WntCV

Stay informed on plans for Canada’s 150th birthday celebrations in the capital. Visit ottawa2017.ca, follow us on Twitter @2017ottawa (#Ottawa2017) and on Facebook.