"Boulder is the Cradle of the Mars Society,
but one does not live in the cradle forever..."

Toronto Chapter, 1999

Proposal To Host the 3^rd Annual Mars Society Convention in
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Contents

Why Choose Toronto? - Toronto's Population Advantage - Facilities
Travel and Entry into Canada - Currencies - Travel Within Toronto
Map of Downtown Toronto - Accomodations - Places To See While in Toronto
Returning Home

Why Choose Toronto?

As member registration continues to grow, the Mars Society needs to expand beyond its current means.

In Mars Society News Special Bulletin #15, it was stated:

We propose that Toronto is an excellent location for hosting the 3rd Annual Mars Society Conference in the summer of 2000. Toronto has larger facilities than Boulder, making it capable of supporting a larger convention with more attendees, and an international reach. Toronto is also a media center for Canada, with enormous resources for bringing attention upon the convention and the Society.

There is a significantly larger population in Toronto, and within a 10-hour driving distance of the city. Toronto also has a large infrastructure of facilities, restaurants, hotels, transportation, and tourist attractions. The city is an airline hub for the region, with many direct flights from major cities in the US and overseas. Toronto is a world class city, with a diverse population from every nation of this Earth.

If the Mars Society truly wishes to demonstrate its international scope, it must increase its presence outside the United States. The Canadian chapter is the second largest national chapter, making it a logical choice for the first conference outside of Boulder. Also, the eyes of the Society will be on Canada that summer as the organization's flagship project is established in the Canadian High Arctic. Bringing the convention to Toronto will help focus media attention on the MARS base.

The long-term goal of the proposal is to move the convention to a different world city every year, in order to allow the Society to spread its message to a wider audience.

Toronto's Population Advantage

Populations Within Driving Distance of Toronto

Note that this is by no means a complete list. Also note that the distances mentioned are 'as the crow flies', and some driving around the Great Lakes may be required for some cities.

Facilities

We have researched two sets of facilities: the Metro Toronto Convention Center, and the University of Toronto. The two facilities are available on different dates, with the Convention Center being available from August 3-6 and 24-27, and the university from August 17-20. Each facility is also capable of accommodating a different number of people on each set of dates.

The Metro Toronto Convention Center is a world-class facility, which hosts many conferences and meetings each year. One of its major advantages is its flexibility. Room sizes can be adjusted via moveable walls, in order to accommodate the needs of the conference organizers.

For the weekend of August 3-6, the following facilities are available. Large plenary hall (25,000 sq. feet), capacity 2800 people ($3800/day). Three smaller halls, each holding 500 people, are available daily from 7am-6pm for $2555, $1980, and $1480 respectively. These smaller halls can also be adjusted to hold over 800 people. The facilities could support a 2800 person conference on this weekend, assuming that everybody attends the plenary sessions.

For the weekend of August 24-27, the following facilities are available. The plenary sessions would take place in Constitution Hall, with a capacity of 2400 people. Smaller halls with capacities of 400 and 500 are also available. The facilities would support an attendance of 2400 on this weekend, once again assuming that everybody attends the plenary sessions.

Also, for either weekend at the convention hall, facilities for a banquet of 1000 or more are available. These rooms come free of charge if catered by the Convention Center.

The University of Toronto is one of Canada's largest universities, serving over 60,000 students on three campuses. There is an 800-seat auditorium, two 500-seat auditoriums, a 390-seat lecture hall, and dozens of rooms of 100 to 200 person capacities. In addition, there is Convocation Hall, capable of seating up to 1700 people, and located right at the heart of the campus.

With these rooms available, the 3rd Mars Society Convention would be able to host 1700 Society members (assuming everybody will attend the plenary sessions), over the Thursday, August 17th to Sunday, August 20th weekend. The large auditoriums may be rented for $50/hr, while the smaller lecture halls range from $17/hr up to $50/hr. There is a flat fee of $87 for custodial services. Convocation Hall may be rented for $166/hr. Ticketed events (which are not expected for the proposed convention) would cost an additional $463 to $595 for house staff and ushers. A banquet for 454 people may be held at Hart House, costing $992, with stagehands employed at $17/hr.

Travel and Entry into Canada

Toronto is accessible by car from the US through border crossings at Buffalo/Niagara Falls, New York, Detroit and Sault Ste. Marie in Michigan, as well as entry points from the New England region. Many cities are within an eight hour driving radius, as with those named; Cleveland, Chicago and many more are within the radius. New York City is approximately a ten hour drive.

Pearson International Airport receives direct flights from most major cities in North America and worldwide. The following is a list of round trip air fares from selected cities to Toronto with a comparison of similar fares to Denver. All prices are in US dollars, and assume a Wednesday departure date and a Monday return date. Note students can obtain a substantial discount from certain travel agencies.

Toronto is accessible by rail within North America. Union Station, the central commuter train depot in Toronto, in located in the downtown core close to the proposed conference facilities.

In order to enter Canada internationally, citizens of many countries will need a visa in order to pass through Canadian Customs. Citizens of the following countries comprise a list of exceptions:

Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Botswana, Brunei, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Denmark, Dominica, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kiribati, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Namibia, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Portugal, Republic of Korea, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden, Slovenia, Switzerland, Tuvalu, United States, Vanuatu, Western Samoa, Zimbabwe.

Also:

• Persons lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence who are in possession of their alien registration card
• British citizens and British Overseas Citizens who are re-admissible to the United Kingdom
• Citizens of British dependent territories who derive their citizenship through birth, descent, registration or naturalization in one of the British dependent territories of Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Pitcairn, St. Helena or the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Also note that US citizens do not require passports, though it is highly recommended as a form of identification.

The Canadian dollar is currently valued at one of the lowest rates in its history. This makes Canada a desirable location for foreign travelers to visit.

The following is a list of exchange rates of many foreign currencies with respect to Canadian and American dollars.

*As of July 27, 1999

Travel Within Toronto

The following is a list of prices for car rentals from the Toronto airport. The list contains several classes of cars. Prices are in US dollars, and include unlimited mileage.

There is also an express shuttle bus running from the airport to downtown Toronto. It runs 24 hours a day, and the fare for a round trip is US$14.25.

Toronto also has an excellent public transportation system. The Toronto Transit Commission serves the city with over 2,500 surface buses and streetcars, as well as subway and RT cars. More than 1.2 million people use the system on working days. Prices are in US dollars.

Map of Downtown Toronto

Here displayed is a map of the downtown core, with subway lines superimposed. Note that there are bus or streetcar routes on every major street in the city. The University of Toronto St. George (downtown) campus is blocked in blue.

Accomodations

Toronto has a wide range of hotels available, as well as rooms at Ryerson University, York University, the University of Toronto, and two hostels.

The following is a list of prices for affordable rooms within the vicinity of the conference facilities. More expensive, high-class hotels are also widely available in the city. Prices are in US dollars. Also note that many of the places listed have discounted weekly rates.

Places to See While In Toronto

Toronto is a cosmopolitan city with a wonderful network of parks, recreational, and cultural facilities. Toronto is the home of four professional sports teams and the third largest English-speaking theatre district in the world, behind New York and London. One of the world's most ethnically diverse cities, it is home to more than 80 ethnic communities from Europe, Asia, the Caribbean and Africa. Toronto is also the business centre of Canada and the capital of Ontario.

Art Gallery of Ontario: 317 Dundas Street West, See great art in 50 galleries including the Grange historic house and the Henry Moore Sculpture Centre.

Casa Loma: 1 Austin Terrace, It took three years, $3,500,000 and more than 300 workers to build Casa Loma between 1911 and 1914. With stately towers, soaring battlements, secret passageways and sweeping terraces, the medieval style castle is a product of Sir Henry Pellatt's boyhood dreams. One critic called it a mixture of 17th century Scotland and 20th Century Fox.

Eaton Centre: At the corner of Yonge and Dundas, With over 300 shops, restaurants and services, there's something for everyone, fabulous fashion, terrific food and spectacular architecture all under one soaring roof. The Eaton Centre is an architectural tour de force - from the stunning view from the third level, where artist Michael Snow's flock of geese flies ever southward, to the spectacular shooting fountain.

Ford Centre for the Performing Arts: 5040 Yonge Street, Featuring live Broadway theatre and classical music concerts.

Harbourfront Centre: 410 Queens Quay West, Harbourfront Centre was formed on January 1, 1991 as a non-profit charitable organization to organize and present events and to operate a 10-acre site on Toronto's waterfront. Harbourfront Centre has become a true centre for cultural exchange having produced a wide array of programmes, with the participation of more than 450 community groups.

Hockey Hall Of Fame: BCE Place 30 Yonge Street, The Hockey Hall of Fame was founded in September 1943 to establish a memorial to those who have developed Canada's great winter sport — hockey. The HHOF collects and preserves objects and images connected with the game of hockey as it is played in Canada and throughout the World. Relive great moments in the game, try out the interactive displays or get your picture taken with the Stanley Cup.

Hummingbird Centre for the Performing Arts: One Front Street East, Home to Broadway shows, comedy, dance and opera.

Maple Leaf Gardens: At the corner of Church and Carlton, Constructed in 1931, it was the home of the Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey team for 68 years, and saw them win 11 Stanley Cups. A shrine to hockey fans and historians alike, it is one of the most famous venues in North America - graced by such personages as the Beatles and Mohammed Ali - and perhaps the most beloved in hockey history. The Leafs moved from the facility in February, 1999 to the Air Canada Centre. Tours are available.

Massey Hall/Roy Thomson Hall: 178 Victoria Street/60 Simcoe Street, Canada's premier concert halls present top international performers and great Canadian artists. Roy Thomson Hall's curvilinear exterior design and sloping glass canopy, which is reflective by day and transparent by night, have made this concert hall a Toronto landmark.

Ontario Place: 955 Lake Shore Blvd. West, Ontario Place is an internationally acclaimed cultural, leisure and entertainment parkland. The complex extends throughout three man-made islands along the Lake Ontario waterfront. Ontario Place opened in May 1971 and featured the world's first permanent IMAX theatre, the Cinesphere.

Ontario Science Centre: 770 Don Mills Road, With over 800 interactive exhibits, featuring an OMNIMAX Theatre.

Pantages Theatre: 263 Yonge Street, This completely restored theatre is currently showing Phantom of the Opera.

Princess of Wales Theatre: 300 King Street West. This 2,000-seat theatre has one of the largest stages in Canada.

Royal Alexandra Theatre: 284 King Street West. The longest running theatre in downtown Toronto has recently been renovated to its original Victorian elegance.

Royal Ontario Museum: 100 Queen's Park, The ROM is a classic museum just steps from the University of Toronto.

Second City: 56 Blue Jays Way. The new Second City is Toronto's favorite home of live sketch comedy. Famous alumni include Rick Moranis, Martin Short, Mike Meyers and Catherine O'Hara.

SkyDome: 1 Blue Jays Way, Construction on SkyDome started in April 1986, and the World Series winning Toronto Blue Jays played their first game there three years later. In addition to baseball, SkyDome hosts the Canadian Football League’s historic Toronto Argonauts. Opening or closing the roof takes only 20 minutes. The whole roof is 339,343 square feet in area and weighs 11,000 tons. When closed, SkyDome could hold a 31-story building. A 348-room hotel is located in center field. 70 of those rooms have views of the field. Tours are available.

These are but a few sites of interest located in downtown Toronto a short distance from the University of Toronto Campus.

Returning Home

American residents who spend more than 48 hours in Canada are allowed to take goods purchased in Canada worth up to US$400 back into the US You may take advantage of this exemption only once every 30 days. (If you have already used this exemption, the US$200 exemption applies.) Members of a single family, travelling together and living in the same residence, are allowed to pool their exemptions to cover their combined purchases.

US citizens are allowed one litre of alcohol, 100 cigars or one carton of 200 cigarettes within one exemption. (Note: Cuban cigars are available in Canada but may not be brought back into the United States).

All other international travelers should check with the customs authorities in their home country before travelling to determine what goods or money they will be allowed to bring back with them.