Local Arrangements for COMP 2003

Conference Location

The COMP 2003 Annual Meeting and CCPM Symposium will be held on the University of Alberta campus. The U of A campus is centrally located within Edmonton on the south-side of the beautiful North Saskatchewan River Valley. All meeting venues are within a 5 to 10 minute walk from campus housing. There is a public transportation hub located on campus just south of the Dentistry/Pharmacy Building (number 72 on campus map) which provides bus and LRT transportation to Whyte Avenue, Edmonton's downtown, and West Edmonton Mall.

Conference Facilities

COMP 2003 Annual Meeting and CCPM Symposium will be held at Bernard Snell Hall within the University of Alberta Walter C. MacKenzie Health Sciences Complex. The WCM Health Sciences Complex is located between 112th and 114th Streets and between 84th and 87th Avenues and is shown as number 132 on the campus map. (Please note the distinction between streets and avenues, which are part of the proper road name in Edmonton ). All meetings, presentations, and poster exhibits beginning on Thursday June 5 and ending on Saturday June 7 will be held at Bernard Snell Hall.

All COMP and CCPM business meetings prior to Thursday June 5, will be held at the Cross Cancer Institute. The Cross Cancer Institute is located at 11560 University Avenue (approx. 2 blocks west and 1/2 block south of the Health Sciences Center) and is numbered 181 on the campus map. Specific meeting room assignments will be posted on this website closer to the meeting dates.

Transportation Information

Sky Shuttle - Take this convenient shuttle to and from the Edmonton International Airport ($13 one way or $20 return). The University route makes a stop at both Campus Towers and Varscona hotels. It is a short walk to Lister Hall (2 blocks) from Campus Towers. Although Lister Hall is not one of its regular stops, Sky Shuttle will stop at Lister Hall if asked at time of boarding provided the driver's schedule permits. This link also lists a number of Edmonton Taxi and Cab companies.

Edmonton Transit System (ETS) - A link to City of Edmonton buses and Light Rail Transit (LRT) systems. You may take a bus directly from the University of Alberta campus to any of the tourist attractions listed below.

Housing and Accommodation Information

Lister Hall Residences - Lister Hall Residences are on the western edge of campus two blocks from conference facilities and only one block from the Cross Cancer Institute. Lister Hall offers single rooms with dorm style bathrooms for $34 per night (single), $45 per twin room. You may take meals at set times in the cafeteria as you like (no package meal plan). More detailed room information is on the registration form (download this pdf ), or you may call 1-800-615-4807 or email . The conference room block will be dropped May 4, 2003 and reservations after this time will be taken only if rooms are still available.

Campus Tower Suites - Campus Tower Suites (hotel) is at the eastern edge of campus just a block from the conference facilities and about 2 blocks from the Cross Cancer Institute. This hotel offers standard (3 star) bachelor rooms with ensuite kitchen and dining facilities for $89 per night, executive (4 star) deluxe rooms which also include high speed internet access at $129 per night. Two bedroom suites are also available for families. A block of rooms has been set aside for the COMP conference but will be dropped on May 4th. Rooms may be available after this date, but there is no guarantee on the rates. For more information call 1-800-661-6562, email , or click the link above.

Varscona Hotel - The Varscona Hotel is a little farther away from campus, about a 20 minute walk (6 blocks) located on Whyte Avenue, home to Edmonton's night life and best restaurants. A major city busline connects the hotel to the university bus hub. The deluxe 4 star rooms include breakfast, nightly wine and cheese, free local phone calls, in-room coffee and 24 hour complimentary access to high speed internet (through their Business center). In room internet access is available for an extra $10. COMP conference rates are $105 single or double occupancy. Two bedroom suites are available for families. The room block is only guaranteed until May 6, 2003, after which rooms may be available depending on availability. For more information call 1-888-515-3355, email to , or click the link above.

FantasyLand Hotel - The Fantasyland Hotel is a unique hotel that will appeal to travellers wanting something different. If you are brining a family, or if you simply want to be located at West Edmonton Mall shopping and attractions, this might be the place for you. Located in Edmonton's west end, attached to the mall, you can take a single bus from the mall directly to the conference center in 20 minutes. Buses run frequently, every 20 minutes. The hotel has standard rooms ($119 to $175 per night), but also has luxurious 'Theme' rooms complete with theme and jacuzzis ($169 to $305 per night). For more info call 1-800-737-3783, email , or click the link above.

Tourist Information

West Edmonton Mall - the World's largest entertainment and shopping center.
Edmonton River Valley Trail System - North America's largest urban park (12 times larger than Central Park in New York City)
Fort Edmonton Park - Canada's largest historical park
Muttart Conservatory - Horticultural attraction featuring more than 700 species of plants in arid, temperate and tropical climates.
Odyssium Space and Science Center
Alberta Provincial Museum
Royal Tyrell Museum - A dinosaur park like no other located two and half hours south of Edmonton by car.
City of Edmonton Home Page and Travel Alberta - more links to things to do in and around Edmonton

Special Events

Conference Kick-Off and Ice-Breaker will be held on Wednesday Night June 4 at Lister Hall Residences. The theme will be a Western B.B.Q. and the dress will be casual.

Conference Night-out will be onboard the Edmonton Queen Riverboat . It will include a cruise down the beautiful North Saskatchewan River Valley and a buffet dinner. Dress is casual.

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