The pair will co-host a full year of special events and activations in Ottawa

OTTAWA, Dec. 8, 2015 /CNW/ - Today Ottawa 2017 along with Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson announced that CIBC (CM:TSX) (CM:NYSE) will be the lead partner as the city hosts a year of celebrations to mark Canada's 150^th birthday.

The partnership will see a number of high caliber events and activities presented in the Capital throughout 2017, a year that marks both Canada and CIBC's 150^th.  CIBC's commitment to Ottawa 2017 extends beyond a monetary contribution and includes a comprehensive marketing strategy, cultural program management and a proven track record of grassroots engagement and community activation.

"The partnership between Ottawa 2017 and CIBC is the single largest partnership for an event in Ottawa's history and a strong show of confidence in our city by CIBC," said Mayor Watson, accompanied by Councillors Cloutier and Fleury, co-chairs of the City's efforts in Ottawa 2017. "Together, we will amplify Canada's 150^th celebrations and offer Canadians and visitors from around the world an exceptional and memorable year of high-caliber experiences."

"As we celebrate 150 years together, CIBC and Ottawa 2017 will co-host landmark celebrations designed to inspire and strengthen our connections as Canadians," said Stephen Forbes, Executive Vice President, CIBC. "This partnership with Ottawa 2017 will create memorable experiences that ignite pride, creativity and passion."

Details of the partnership were announced this morning at the popular Mayor's Breakfast Series. A full year of celebrations will be offered from January to December.

One of many incredible experiences to come, on July 1, 2017, Ottawa 2017 and CIBC will present an evening celebration at the Shaw Centre, with entertainment never seen before in Ottawa along with a breathtaking view of the fireworks. Also planned is an exciting new program in the capital called Inspiration Village. It will feature each of Canada's provinces and territories for a full week of tributes over the course of the summer in 2017. Full details will be revealed soon.

"It's an honor for Ottawa 2017 to be the first organization Canada-wide to benefit from a significant private sector contribution in respect to Canada 150^th celebrations and to partner with CIBC, a distinguished Canadian institution," said Guy Laflamme, Executive Director of the Ottawa 2017 Bureau. "Together, we will showcase the nation's capital from an avant-garde perspective and create energizing moments for the millions of Canadians from coast-to-coast that will take part in these historic celebrations."

Ottawa will be centre stage in 2017, as a record number of Canadians are expected to visit the capital to celebrate the 150^th anniversary of Confederation. Ottawa 2017 will be announcing many more initiatives in the weeks and months ahead, as it gears up for this once-in-a-lifetime celebration of Canada's 150^th birthday, right here in the capital.

To stay informed on the latest plans, visit ottawa2017.ca.

SOURCE CIBC