The scope of work in Parking Services and Transportation Planning goes well beyond administrative tasks such as distributing parking permits. Employees also oversee all forms of transportation to and from the University of Guelph campus, including walking, cycling, buses and cars, says manager Ian Weir.

Weir adds that his department is never static: there are changes in bus routes, lights that need replacing (a shared responsibility with Physical Resources) or new technology to adopt. The new standard for lights, for example, is light-emitting diodes (LED), which provide clear, uniform light while using less electricity and require virtually no maintenance.

The University has also adopted green technologies. For example, the red flashing safety beacons that mark areas where large numbers of pedestrians cross roadways on campus are entirely solar-powered.

This year, more wayfinding signs will be added across campus to make it easier for visitors to locate buildings, and major sections of the sidewalks will be repaired. The department has already refinished the main front entrance at Gordon Street and South Ring Road, and will revamp the entrance at Stone Road East and South Ring Road.

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