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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 |
| |
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 Toronto Airport |
80 |
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 |
|
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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