For immediate release
August 11, 2006

Toronto welcomes world to XVI International AIDS Conference

Toronto, ON - This Sunday, the XVI International AIDS Conference will officially get underway at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC). Conference organizers expect 25,000 delegates and 3,500 media from around the world to descend on Toronto from Aug. 13 - 18. The theme of this year’s conference is “Time to Deliver.”

“Hosting this conference is an incredible honour for Toronto,” said Councillor Kyle Rae, who has led the City’s involvement with conference organizers. “There are many aspects of this conference that Toronto residents can participate in, including the opening ceremonies at Rogers Centre, the Global Village and the AIDS Vigil. Toronto has been a leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS. We have much to be proud of as a city. I look forward to seeing Toronto residents getting involved.”

The International AIDS Conference was established in 1985. AIDS 2006 is the largest, most comprehensive global health forum in the world, with an objective of expanding public awareness of HIV/AIDS, sharing knowledge and learning from others. The conference is open to everyone fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic, including researchers, health care workers, governments, the United Nations, activists, donors, the media and people living with HIV/AIDS.

“The thousands of participants at this year's International AIDS Conference inspire us and we share their commitment to making their globally important work accessible to everyone, everywhere,” said Bruce MacMillan, President and CEO of Tourism Toronto. “We know that in Toronto they will find a creative and collaborative energy that comes from the colourful mosaic of people, languages, cultures and lifestyles.”

The XVI International AIDS Conference is expected to generate $30 - 40 million in direct spending in Toronto.

Residents can expect few road closures and delays. There will be parking restrictions around the MTCC, including Front St., Simcoe St. and Bremner Blvd. Yonge St. will be closed the evening of Thursday, August 17 between Dundas and Queen Sts. from 8 p.m. to midnight to accommodate the AIDS Vigil, an event all Torontonians are invited to attend.

Visit www.aids2006.org for more information.

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Media contacts:
Michele Simpson, Tourism Toronto, Manager, Media Relations, 416-987-1738
Brad Ross, Strategic Communications, 4126-392-8937