Juno Awards heading to Ottawa in 2017

The Juno Awards are returning to Ottawa in 2017 as part of the national capital's celebration of Canada's 150th birthday.

Mayor Jim Watson made the widely-anticipated announcement today at the Mercury Lounge in the ByWard Market with performances by Ottawa's Rise Ashen and Toronto-based Ammoye, both previous Juno nominees.

Performers from across the country will fill local clubs and larger venues with the sounds of every kind of music.

Landing the Junos in 2017 — the year when Canada marks the 150th anniversary of Confederation — has been a key part of Watson's plan.

The mayor is hoping to score a hat-trick that year by securing three marquee events: the CFL Grey Cup championship, the NHL Winter Classic and the Junos.

Neither the CFL nor the NHL have announced a host city for 2017 festivities yet.

Ottawa last hosted the Junos in 2012 when Feist won artist of the year and Justin Bieber took home the fan choice award.

The televised awards show, hosted by William Shatner, drew about 12,000 people to the Canadian Tire Centre.

There was also a gala dinner at the Shaw Centre and live shows at numerous downtown night clubs, including Mercury Lounge.

Juno Week 2016, to be held in Calgary, is scheduled for March 28 to April 3.

The Juno Awards were also held in Ottawa in 2003.