Hart House is the centre of student life at the University of Toronto. The masterpiece of gothic architecture hosts the HHDC, two restaurants, a gym, a pool, a hair salon, a radio-station, recreation rooms, and an art gallery. Hart House will be the centre of operations for the tournament, and will host a social one night, where debaters will have the run of the house. It will also be a place for debater to relax between rounds.

Our bid is supported by all of the staff and resources of Hart House. This means that we will be able to draw on its institutional memory over the course of the lead-up to HH2012, from bid to tournament. During the last month, there will be a full-time Hart House staffer aiding with the organization of the tournament. The Warden of the House, Louise Cowen, is providing the bid with her full support.

University of Toronto

The University of Toronto is one of the world’s most prestigious universities. It produces the third highest amount of academic research in the world, and is one of only 5 universities ranked in the top 16 in all of the categories graded by the Times Higher Education Survey. University of Toronto graduates have invented or discovered, insulin, the electron microscope, the pacemaker, UN peacekeeping, stem-cells, “the global village”, and black holes.

The University of Toronto’s historic campus sits in the centre of downtown Toronto. The campus’ many 19th century quads and grand buildings will provide an excellent backdrop for the tournament. The university’s location means that not only will all rounds be a 10min transit ride from the hotel, but that you will constantly be walking distance from Toronto’s pedestrian-friendly centre’s bars, restaurants, museums, and ethnic neighbourhoods.

HH2012 has already formed relationships with several U of T departments and authorities. We have already been assured of commitments of cash and in-kind donations totalling more than $40,000. We are working with the administration to ensure the support of the university’s wide array of faculties, alumni, and corporate connections.