City will bid for 2019 Junos, but how hard was it courted?
Hamilton will make an unexpected bid to host the 2019 Juno Awards based on claimed last-minute urging — and a discount the city says it was offered by event organizers.
But the organization behind the Junos denies Hamilton was approached specifically to submit a bid and said the city is not being treated differently than other prospective hosts.
Councillors voted Wednesday to set aside $550,000 for a 2019 Junos bid on the strength of a staff report that the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) had asked Hamilton to consider hosting that year. The report was accompanied by a generic letter of support from CARAS president Allan Reid.
Tourism Hamilton events manager Carrie Brooks-Joiner told councillors she had spoken to Reid this week about a prospective bid.
“He reiterated what a desirable location Hamilton is for the Junos, particularly for 2019, because of the momentum that we are showing in our commitment to music.”
The city had otherwise planned for a 2020 bid for the weeklong celebration of Canadian music. But the staff report said CARAS is willing to waive the requirement for a formal written bid and has offered a discount “as an enticement to participate in the bid process.”
The bid fee would be $1.5 million, reduced from $1.7 million, with the province and other partners asked to pay the difference beyond Hamilton’s $550,000 contribution.
That doesn’t mean the event is being handed to Hamilton, BrooksJoiner stressed after the meeting, noting she had heard cities like London and Saskatoon were bidding.
In fact, CARAS later argued in an emailed statement Hamilton is not getting any special encouragement at all.
“We would like to clarify that Hamilton was not approached specifically to submit a bid for the 2019 JUNO Awards, but as with any interested city, CARAS supports and welcomes their option to do so,” reads the statement. “Any Host City that is interested in hosting Canada’s Music Awards must adhere to all formal bid requirements.”
Reid was unavailable for an interview Wednesday. A spokesperson said Junos fees range from city to city and Hamilton’s proposed fee is not a discount.
Regardless, it appears Hamilton could fill a void left by presumed bidder Saskatoon, which as late as last month was still publicly discussing vying for the event.
But that Prairie city has learned it won’t get provincial funding for a Junos bid, so it will “hold off ” until the economy improves, said Saskatoon tourism head Todd Brant.
The Spectator was unable to reach anyone with London’s tourism office Wednesday. But a report from late-September recommends London city council put $500,000 toward a $1.7-million Junos bid fee. The report says that city first submitted a bid in the summer, but will resubmit based on recent consultations with CARAS.
It’s not clear when a 2019 host will be announced, but Reid’s letter to the city notes an “urgency” for Hamilton to commit to a bid because a location must be confirmed “as soon as possible.”
Brooks-Joiner told councillors Hamilton is well positioned to host for several reasons, including large concert venues, a good record as a 2015 host and the chance to build on musical momentum from next year’s Canadian Country Music Association awards.
Hosting the Junos could be worth $11 million to the local economy, including 2,000-plus hotel roomnights, 15,000 event visitors and national media exposure, city staff estimate.
During the last event in Hamilton, more than 12,000 tickets were sold and the musical festivities averaged 1.6 million viewers on CTV.
“I fully understand why they’re eager to come back,” said Mayor Fred Eisenberger.
Coun. Sam Merulla said the cost of the Junos “pays off tenfold” in economic spinoffs.
But he later expressed concern about the mixed message from organizers.
“I based my very strong support in part on the understanding we were specifically being asked and encouraged to participate.”
I fully understand why they’re eager to come back. MAYOR FRED EISENBERGER