2 January 2017Keep track of events this year with the Ottawa 2017 app_ (Via Ottawa 2017) _ ** Ottawa – ** The Ottawa 2017 Bureau and Mayor Jim Watson, in collaboration with lead partner CIBC, are pleased to announce the launch of the Ottawa 2017 App, powered by Ottawa 2017 Premier Partner Bell. The free experiential App offers the latest information and updates on Ottawa 2017 programming as well as unique multimedia features to enhance the experience of residents and visitors at events taking place in the nation’s capital throughout Canada’s sesquicentennial year. Available for iOS and Android , the Ottawa 2017 App enables users to access exclusive content. They can also take control of the action at specific events with interactive functions, share their experience with other Canadians and take part in Ottawa 2017 celebrations from every corner of the country. On December 31, for the Ottawa 2017 New Year’s Eve kick-off event , App users will be able to download their very own virtual torch, which looks like the ones that more than 400 youth will be carrying in the Fire of Friendship Torch Relay. A countdown to the lighting of the Ottawa 2017 Cauldron will cue users to light up their virtual torch, which will also turn on the camera flashlight. Year-round, a virtual photobooth will enable App users to take photos using a variety of special filters. The first filters will be very festive with a New Year’s Eve theme. New filters, themed around other Ottawa 2017 events, as well as more interactive features will be added on an ongoing basis throughout the year-long celebration. To download the free Ottawa 2017 App, visit: The App Store , Google Play or Ottawa2017.ca . Canada’s 150thanniversary celebrations will offer Canadians and visitors from around the world an exceptional and memorable year of high-caliber experiences while bringing a record number of visitors to Ottawa in 2017 to celebrate this important milestone for our country. Ottawa 2017 thanks its lead partner CIBC, premier partner Bell, the Government of Ontario ( www.ontario.ca/150 #ontario150) and the Government of Canada ( www.canada.ca/150 #canada150) for their contributions in helping to deliver twelve full months of bold events, immersive experiences and all-out celebrations.