Juno Awards coming to Hamilton in 2015

The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) announced Wednesday that Hamilton will host the 2015 Juno awards.

The show takes place at Copps Coliseum on Sunday, March 15, 2015. This will be the sixth time the city has hosted the show. Previous visits include 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999 and 2001.

Bringing the JUNO Awards back to Hamilton offers the opportunity to further support and develop the city and provinces vibrant music scene," said Melanie Berry, President & CEO of the Juno Awards said. "We are very excited to return to the venue that was our first arena show and the first time fans had access to a live JUNO Awards experience.

Juno Awards officials came to the city in October after city councillors officially voted to host the awards, including spending $250,000 to make it happen.

City councillors voted in May to approach the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences asking to host the ceremonies again. They also voted to establish a city music office.

This is the Grey Cup of music in our country, said Coun. Jason Farr of Ward 2 at a general issues committee meeting on Wednesday.

Its a low, low price of $250,000 from a reserve when you consider the payback were going to get as a city.

Coun. Sam Merulla doesnt just want to host the ceremonies in 2015.

If theres any way we can communicate that were trying to be part of the regular rotation, that would be advantageous as well, he said.

Hosting the Juno Awards would be an economic boostto Hamilton. From 2007 to 2013, a staff report says, the awards have caused an economic impact of nearly $78 million.

That includes an $11-million economic impact forOttawa, which hosted the awards in 2012.