Juno Awards gala to hit Vancouver in 2009

As Canadian recording artists prepare for the upcoming edition of the Juno Awards, organizers announced on Tuesday the location for next year's edition: Vancouver.

"A city well known for its diversity, inclusiveness and cultural heritage, Vancouver is a natural fit to host Canada's music awards show," said Melanie Berry, president of the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, which organizes the annual musical honour.

"We are blessed to have so many wonderful recording artists from Canada — and Vancouver — that are recognized and successful around the world," Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan added in a statement.

"The 2009 Juno Awards will be a great platform to celebrate this success and inspire the next generation of Canadian recording artists."

Set for March 29, 2009, next year's edition will not be the first time Vancouver has hosted Canada's most prominent musical honour.

However, it is the first since 2002, when Juno organizers began switching the host city to a new Canadian location every year.

Since then, organizers have brought the awards show and several days of Juno-related festivities to St. John's, Ottawa, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Halifax and Saskatoon.

Staging the Junos costs an estimated $1.5 million, but organizers have said the annual event generates millions more in spinoff revenue.

This year's celebration is set for Calgary in April, with the gala telecast slated for April 6 and comedian Russell Peters to host. Top nominees include Céline Dion, Avril Lavigne, Feist and Michael Bublé.