U of G’s Sustainable Transportation and Parking Services office has made numerous changes in an effort to improve services and address concerns regarding capacity in core lots.

There are now designated campus parking lots for student permit holders, faculty/staff permit holders and visitors. The number of parking spots designated for students and for faculty/staff remains the same. Details on the designations for each lot are available on the Sustainable Transportation and Parking Services website.

The change is the result of feedback received from the U of G community, particularly students, about the challenges of finding parking spaces on campus, says Shannon Talbot, acting manager (sustainable transportation and parking services).

“This should make parking on campus easier for permit holders,” Talbot says.

“Rather than checking multiple lots for an empty space during peak times, permit holders can go directly to their designated lot.”

Permit holders who need accessible parking will now be able to park in any accessible parking spot, provided they have a valid Ministry of Transportation accessibility permit and a U of G parking permit or have made another form of payment. This allows those with accessibility needs to park in the most convenient lot available for them.

As well, parking is free in any lot after 5 p.m. for students, faculty, staff and anyone coming to campus.

Parking rates did not increase for 2019-2020.

Talbot adds that many Ontario universities have similar designated parking systems. The new strategy accounts for the percentage of permit holders on campus at any given time (e.g., part-time students who do not use the lots daily). Questions about the change may be directed to questions@parking.uoguelph.ca.