57th General
Conference Session
of the
Seventh-day Adventist
Church
Toronto, Canada, June 29-July 8, 2000
Visitor Information
Visitor
Information with pictures
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here for Hotel Accommodation information
Maps
Housing Application Form
Invitation
To all delegates and attendees at the 2000 General Conference
Session:
I am pleased to invite you to the beautiful country of Canada
and to Toronto's famous SkyDome and Metro Convention Centre,
from June 29 to July 8, 2000 for the 57th Business Session of
the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
The world-wide Seventh-day Adventist Church family of over
10 million members will be represented by 2000 delegates participating
in business sessions, plus thousands of visitors from almost
two hundred countries of the world. The theme "Almost Home"
sets the tone and atmosphere for the Session. Daily devotionals
and inspiring reports from the world divisions will augment
the hours reserved for the business agenda. This marvelous celebration
of fellowship, focusing on the hope and nearness of Christ's
return, provides an opportunity for spiritual refreshing and
a renewal of commitment to our commission to live, demonstrate,
and spread the gospel to all the world.
Please join me in praying fthat this gathering in Toronto will
be marked by the blessing of God and that the Holy Spirit will
preside over a rapidly finished work in the world and in our
lives.
Yours in Christ's service,
Jan Paulsen. President
General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Canada--Distance and Diversity
Canada, the world's second largest country, enjoys an affluent,
high-tech industrial society that closely resembles that of
the United States of America with which it shares over 8,000
kilometers (5,000 miles) of border. Eighty percent of the more
than 30 million population is located in the southern part of
the country and within 160 kilometers (100 miles) of the border
with the USA.
There is a wide ethnic, cultural and religious diversity in
Canada with both French and English as official languages. English
is the primary language in use throughout most of the country.
French predominates in the province of Quebec and in some parts
of the eastern provinces. In Canada's larger cities there are
communities of immigrants from most of the major language groups
of the world.
Entry into Canada
Citizens or permanent residents of the United States do not
require passports or visas and can usually cross the USA/Canada
border without difficulty or delay. However, presentation of
a passport will be the simplest way to proceed through the immigration
checkpost. USA citizens who do not have a passport should carry
some identification papers such as a birth certificate or evidence
of USA citizenship. Proof, such as a driver's license, that
a person also lives in the USA may be required. Naturalized
USA citizens should carry a naturalization certificate or some
other evidence of citizenship. Permanent residents of the USA
who are not USA citizens are advised to carry their Resident
Alien Cards. Persons under 18 years of age who are not accompanied
by an adult should bring a letter from a parent or guardian
giving them permission to travel in Canada.
Citizens from countries other than the USA generally require
visas issued by the Canadian Embassy in the country where the
person normally resides. Delegates and attendees at the General
Conference Session are advised to check with a reputable travel
agent, or with the Canadian Embassy in their country of residence,
to determine whether or not a visa is required to enter Canada.
Importing Goods into Canada
Most things brought to Canada for personal use during the visit
will be considered as "personal baggage" by Canada
Customs. Such items include a vehicle, sports equipment, food,
clothing, musical instruments, computers, cellular phones, CB
radios and cameras. There are several exceptions, the most important
of which is weapons. No one in Canada is allowed to carry a
weapon, such as a firearm or mace or any other spray, to be
used for self-defense against humans. Visitors to Canada may
bring bona fide gifts worth up to C$60 each for friends in Canada
without paying duty, provided these do not consist of tobacco
or alcoholic beverages.
Legal drugs, in quantities for personal use, can generally
be brought into Canada without problem. Prescription drugs should
be clearly identified and should be carried in the original
packaging with a label that specifies both what they are and
that they are being used under prescription. It is a good idea
to bring a copy of the prescription and the contact number for
the doctor who issued the prescription. Diabetics and others
who have to bring syringes with them should carry some evidence
of their need for using these.
Bringing a Vehicle into Canada
The entry of vehicles and vacation trailers into Canada for
touring purposes is generally a quick and routine matter. Custom
permits, if required, are issued at time of entry. Rental vehicles
or trailers of the U-Haul variety are also admissible. However,
the vehicle registration forms should be carried together with
a copy of the rental contract to indicate that use in Canada
is authorized by the rental agency. Visitors entering Canada
with vehicles not registered to themselves should carry a letter
from the owner to indicate that use of the vehicle is authorized.
Driver's Licenses and Vehicle Insurance
in Canada
USA state driver's licenses are valid in Canada for varying
periods of time as legislated by the individual provinces and
territories. The 1949 International Driving Permit is also valid,
but it must be accompanied at all times by the visitor's state
or national driving license. Under customs law, a resident of
Canada may not use a vehicle that has been brought in temporarily
by a resident of the United States for his or her personal use.
However, in cases where a resident has occasion to travel with
a resident of the United States, the resident may share in the
driving, provided the primary purpose of the trip and/or use
of the vehicle is not for the benefit of the resident and no
compensation is involved. At no time may the resident operate
the vehicle unless accompanied by the nonresident.
Vehicle insurance is compulsory in all provinces and territories
in Canada, and visiting motorists are required to produce evidence
of financial responsibility should they be involved in an accident.
USA motorists planning to travel in Canada are advised to obtain
a Canadian Non-Resident Inter-Provincial Motor Vehicle Liability
Insurance Card, which is accepted as evidence of financial responsibility
anywhere in Canada. It is available only in the United States
through USA insurance companies or their insurance agents. The
minimum liability insurance requirement in Canada is C$200,000
except in Quebec where the limit is C$50,000.
The possession and use of radar detection devices is illegal
in several Canadian provinces. It is illegal to possess this
type of device in Ontario, the province in which Toronto is
located, and its neighboring province of Quebec. The law allows
for confiscation of these devices by police officers. It is
suggested that visitors to Canada who have these devices installed
on their vehicles render the device inoperable and store it
inside a piece of luggage.
Seatbelt use is mandatory for all drivers and passengers in
Canada.
Canadian Currency, Money Exchange,
Use of Credit Cards and ATMs
Click here for conversion program: http://www.xe.net/currency
The currency system in Canada uses dollars and cents as the
USA system does. A one-dollar coin in Canada is called a "loonie"
because it has a picture of a loon on one face. The two-dollar
coin, slightly bigger than a loonie, has a polar bear on one
face. It is distinguished from all other Canadian coins because
it is two-colored. Canadian paper money is printed in a series
of distinctive colors and designs so that it is easy to distinguish
one value of bill from another.
To get the best exchange rate a visitor should exchange money
at a financial institution such as a bank, trust company or
currency exchange. Most stores and commercial establishments
will accept and exchange USA currency, although the exchange
rate may not be as favorable as that from a financial institution.
It is a good idea to convert some money into Canadian dollars
prior to arrival in Canada, or at the Toronto airport if arriving
by air. Exchanging currency late at night or on Sundays or national
holidays may be difficult. Banking hours in Canada vary between
banks and even between branches of the same bank. Most major
international credit cards and principal bank cards are honored
in Canada. There are many ATMs (Automated Teller Machines) through-out
Toronto. These machines accept major bank cards issued in North
America.
Goods and Services Tax (GST), Provincial
Sales Tax and Visitor Rebates
Revenue Canada levies a 7% Goods and Services Tax on most purchases.
Visitors to Canada can claim a refund of the GST they have paid
on certain goods taken out of Canada and on short-term accommodations
in hotels, motels, and other commercial accommodations. Short-term
accommodation means a maximum of 30 days in any one location.
To qualify for a GST refund, the goods and accommodation purchases
must be for a minimum of C$200 (at least C$14 of tax) with no
single purchase being less than C$50.
The GST pamphlet "Tax Refund Application for Visitors"
provides more information on the program along with a refund
application form and completion instructions. It is available
upon request from all Canada Customs offices, most tourism information
centers, participating Duty Free Shops, most department stores
and major hotels.
All provinces except Alberta collect a retail sales tax which
can range from 4 to 12 percent on most purchases. In most provinces
a sales tax refund is available when goods are taken out of
the country within 30 days of purchase. Visitors should inquire
about regulations in effect in a particular province at the
time of purchase.
Medical Services and Health Insurance
Canadian hospital and medical services are excellent. Hospitalization
charges can easily exceed C$1,000 per day. In most cases physician's
fees will be an additional cost. It is strongly recommended
that visitors to Canada obtain traveler's health insurance prior
to arrival in Canada.
Individuals taking medicine prescribed by a doctor should carry
with them a copy of the prescription in the event that the prescription
needs to be renewed by a doctor in Canada.
First aid services will be available in the SkyDome and Metro
Toronto Convention Centre.
Tap water is safe to drink in Toronto. A large variety of distilled
or mineral waters is also readily available.
Units of Measure
Canada has partially converted from the imperial system of
weights and measures to the international system. Visitors will
usually find weather temperature reports given in degrees Celsius,
gasoline and other liquids sold by liters, grocery items sold
by grams and kilograms, clothing sizes indicated by centimeters,
fabrics measured by meters, and distances posted in kilometers.
Weather and Clothing
June and July are summer months in Toronto. Temperatures all
across southern Canada during this time of year can range from
cool to hot. The average minimum and maximum temperatures in
Toronto for late June and early July are 17%C (63%F) and 27%C
(81%F). Summer clothing with some medium-weight apparel for
cool evenings is recommended. Precipitation, if any in July,
is generally light rain of short duration.
Electrical Voltage and Connections
The electricity supplied to standard consumer connections in
Canada is 110 volt, 60 cycle AC current. Two-pin or three-pin
plugs are accepted for connecting to the electrical outlet.
Electrical characteristics and plug styles are the same as those
used in the USA.
Service Charges and Tips
Service charges or tips are not generally added to a bill in
Canada. Usually a tip of 15% of the total amount is given. This
applies to waiters, waitresses, barbers and hairdressers, taxi
drivers, etc. Bellhops, doormen and porters at hotels, airports
and railway stations are normally paid C$1 per item of luggage.
Tips for maid service at a hotel room are generally not less
than C$1 or C$2 per day.
Holidays in Canada
July 1 is a national holiday in Canada. Most businesses and
commercial establishments will be closed. Many major stores
are open on Sundays although they may open later and close earlier
than on other days of the week.
Toronto--People From All Nations
Toronto, with a population of 4.5 million, is Canada's largest
city and a leading financial, industrial and cultural center.
Its name, given by the Huron Indians, means "the place
of meeting." The city is a thriving mosaic of many cultures
and has become one of the most cosmopolitan cities of North
America. Recently Fortune magazine ranked Toronto as
the very best major international city in which to live and
work.
Tourist attractions are plentiful in and around Toronto. The
CN tower, at 550 meters (1,815 feet), is the world's tallest
freestanding structure. The world renowned Niagara Falls is
only a 90-minute drive from downtown. Visitors to Toronto can
take advantage of a variety of tours offered by Toronto Tours
Limited.
SkyDome and Metro Toronto Convention
Centre--Venue for GC Session
GC Session meetings and associated events will be held in Toronto's
largest sports complex, SkyDome, or in the adjacent Metro Toronto
Convention Centre. These facilities are located in the heart
of the city close by the CN tower, the city's highly visible
landmark. There are over 12,000 first-class hotel rooms within
easy walking distance of SkyDome and the Metro Toronto Convention
Centre.
SkyDome is easily accessible by all modes of ground transportation
including Toronto's rapid transit system. There are many car
parking facilities around SkyDome and the Metro Toronto Convention
Centre. Parking rates vary, with some being as high as C$18-20
per day.
Transportation in Toronto
Toronto has excellent transportation services. The heart of
downtown is serviced by buses, a rapid transit system and an
extensive underground network of shops and corridors called
the "Path."
The Lester B Pearson International Airport is located approximately
20 kilometers (12 miles) from downtown Toronto. Public transportation
to and from the airport is available by means of taxis, a variety
of shuttle services, and by Airport Express--a regular daily
scheduled bus service between Pearson International Airport
and downtown Toronto. No reservation is required. Tickets may
be purchased at curbside outside the airport arrivals lounge
and at major hotels in
downtown Toronto. The Airport Express departs at 20-minute
intervals between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.
World Ministers Council
Immediately preceding the General Conference Session, the Ministerial
Association will host a World Ministers Council for pastors,
pastoral families, and local church elders. This event, which
begins on Sunday evening, June 25, and concludes at noon on
Thursday, June 29, features professional growth seminars, inspirational
plenary sessions, specialized training tracks, Bible study,
multi-language seminars, Adventist heritage highlights, and
the best of Adventist preaching. The Council's theme, "The
Way of the Cross Leads Home," places emphasis on preparing
for the soon coming of Jesus while developing excellence in
pastoral ministry. Attendees will enjoy the opportunity to interact
with pastoral families and local church elders from around the
world as they participate in this opportunity for personal growth
and continuing education.
The World Ministers Council registration form may be viewed
or downloaded electronically at http://www.ministerialassociation.com/.
To receive a registration form, please write: GC Ministerial
Association, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904,
USA. Phone (301) 680-6500;
Fax (301) 680-6502; E-mail: 74617.2146@compuserve.com
General Conference Session--Opening
and Closing
The opening meeting of the 57th General Conference Session
will begin Thursday, June 29 at 3:00 p.m. The closing meeting
will end at approximately 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 8.
Simultaneous Interpretation Services
Business meetings of the General Conference Session will be
conducted in English. Provision for radio wave transmission
of simultaneous interpretation in several languages is being
planned. The selection of languages will include: French, German,
Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. Delegates and visitors requiring
simultaneous interpretation may contact the GC Session Information
booth in the Metro Toronto Convention Centre for information
about audio equipment needed to receive the simultaneous interpretation.
Commercial and Promotional Exhibits
Commercial and promotional exhibits at the General Conference
Session will be located on level 800 in the South Building of
the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The exhibits provide an
opportunity to see what church organizations and individuals
are doing in the context of the Church's mission. One exhibit
hall will feature information and promotional exhibits. The
second hall will display commercial exhibits having products
for sale.
Exhibitors wishing to rent space should contact Dean Rogers,
Exhibit Manager, at the General Conference: Phone (301) 680-6221;
Fax (301) 680-6290; or E-mail at rogersd@gc.adventist.org.
Applications for exhibit space must be received by the Exhibit
Manager no later than March 31, 2000.
Meal Service
As a convenience, the Metropolitan Toronto Convention Centre
will provide economically priced vegetarian meals. `A la carte
items and/or speed-line service consisting of a plated meal
will be available throughout the day in Halls A, B, and C. Snack
bars will be located in Exhibit Hall D. Meal tickets for speed-line
meals must be purchased on site. Snack bars and à la carte items
will be on a cash basis.
Classification of Attendees, Registration
and Seating
Attendees at the GC Session are classified in one of several
categories.
Delegates: Those persons who have been officially
selected by unions, divisions and the General Conference to
vote in the GC Session business meetings. Delegates are required
to register at the GC Session and, when wearing the badge provided,
will be granted access to seats in the area reserved for delegates.
Guests: A delegate's immediate family members who
will be accompanying the delegate and staying in the same hotel
room as the delegate. Guests are required to register and, when
wearing the badge provided, will be granted access to seats
in the area reserved for delegates.
Visitors: Attendees who come as observers to the GC
Session. Visitors are not required to register. Visitors will
have access to seating in any area of the SkyDome except in
those areas reserved for delegates and guests.
Staff: Persons authorized and employed by GC Session
Management to care for managerial functions at the Session.
Staff personnel are required to register and must wear the badge
provided in order to have access to the delegate seating area
or to other restricted areas of the SkyDome.
Volunteers: Persons selected and authorized by GC
Session Management to help with specified tasks at the Session.
Volunteers are required to register and must wear the badge
provided in order to have access to the delegate seating area
or to other restricted areas of the SkyDome.
Exhibitors: Persons who are authorized to operate
and/or manage commercial or promotional exhibits at the GC Session.
Exhibitors must register at the Exhibit Manager's Office located
on level 800 of the South Building in the Metro Toronto Convention
Centre. Badges provided to exhibitors will permit access to
the exhibit halls for preparing exhibits, etc. Exhibitors will
have access to seating in any area of the SkyDome except in
those areas reserved for delegates and guests.
Media representatives: Duly authorized representatives
of media services are required to register at the Media Services
desk in the SkyDome.
Hotel Accommodations
Visitors who require hotel room reservations may utilize the
services of the GC Session Housing Bureau. This office has been
established by Tourism Toronto to handle hotel room reservation
requests from GC Session visitors. (Official delegates, immediate
family members who will be staying with the delegate, and GC
Session staff have their hotel accommodations arranged through
their sponsoring division/organization and therefore should
not contact the GC Session Housing Bureau in Toronto.)
This brochure contains a GC Session
Housing Application Form and a chart with names of hotels,
room types and rates available to GC Session visitors. The room
rates have been negotiated especially for GC Session attendees
and are valid from June 25 to July 9, 2000.
When completed the Housing Application Form should be mailed
or faxed to the GC Session Housing Bureau, 207 Queen's Quay
W., Suite 590, P O Box 126, Toronto, Ontario, CANADA M5J 1A7.
The fax number is (416) 203-6735 or (416) 203-6753.
No telephone reservations will be accepted by the GC Session
Housing Bureau. Hotels listed on the accompanying chart will
not accept direct bookings for the GC Session. All inquiries,
as well as changes or cancellations, must be conveyed in writing
and directed by mail or fax to the GC Session Housing Bureau
for processing until the cut-off date indicated in the Housing
Application Form. After the cut-off date, the hotels will take
inquiries directly and make any late reservations on an availability
basis and at prevailing rates.
Confirmation of hotel reservations will be sent directly from
the hotel to the applicant who has sent the Housing Application
Form.
Please do not contact the General Conference office in
Silver Spring, Maryland regarding hotel room reservations. Hotel
reservations for visitors will be handled exclusively through
the Housing Bureau in Toronto.
***************
Please Note: Although the
General Conference made every effort to ensure the accuracy
of this brochure, all information is subject to change without
advance notice.
General Conference Session Management
12501 Old Columbia Pike
Silver Spring, MD 20904
USA
Phone (301) 680-6216
Fax (301) 680-6290
E-mail Internet: gcsession@gc.adventist.org
HOTEL
ACCOMMODATIONS - TORONTO
57th General
Conference Session
of the
Seventh-day Adventist
Church
Rates valid from June 25 to July
9, 2000
| LOCATION |
HOTEL* |
RATES**
Currency conversion: http://www.xe.net/currency
(All Rates are Expressed
in C$)
|
| SGL |
DBL/
TWN
|
TRP |
QUAD |
|
Downtown
|
1 |
Days
Inn Toronto Downtown (sold out) |
75 |
75 |
80 |
85 |
| 2 |
Delta Chelsea
Inn (sold out) |
130 |
130 |
152 |
N/A |
| 3 |
Fairfield Inn
Marriott (sold out) |
146 |
146 |
161 |
176 |
| 4 |
Four Seasons
Hotel (sold out) |
240 |
240 |
N/A |
N/A |
| 5 |
Hilton Toronto
(sold out) |
115 |
115 |
135 |
N/A |
| 6 |
Holiday Inn on
King (sold out) |
118 |
118 |
133 |
148 |
| 7 |
Radisson Plaza
Hotel Toronto (sold out) |
119 |
119 |
134 |
149 |
| 8 |
Radisson Plaza
Hotel Admiral (sold out) |
112 |
142 |
172 |
202 |
| 9 |
Royal York Hotel
(sold out) |
|
|
|
|
| 10 |
Sheraton Centre
Toronto Hotel (sold out) |
175 |
175 |
205 |
235 |
| 11 |
Sutton Place
Hotel (sold out) |
157 |
157 |
177 |
N/A |
| 12 |
Toronto Colony
Hotel (sold out) |
96 |
96 |
111 |
126 |
| 13
|
Metropolitan
Hotel (sold out) |
101 |
101 |
131 |
n/a |
| Airport
(Not Shown on Map)
|
Best
Western Carlton Place |
86 |
99 |
99 |
99 |
| Delta Toronto
Airport Hotel |
96 |
96 |
106 |
116 |
| Four Points Hotel |
112 |
112 |
119 |
119 |
| Holiday Inn Select
Toronto Airport |
89 |
100 |
120 |
140 |
| Regal Constellation
Hotel |
(premium) 114
(standard) 99
(economy) 85
|
114
99
85
|
129
114
100
|
144
129
115
|
| Wyndham Bristol
Place Hotel |
123 |
123 |
133 |
143 |
| International
Plaza |
114 |
114 |
124 |
134 |
|
Northeast
(Not Shown
on Map)
|
Toronto East
Don Valley Hotel |
110 |
110 |
125 |
140 |
*Children 18 and under free in
most hotels.
** All rates are subject to provincial
taxes and GST
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