Parking Regulations

Unless otherwise specified, the following terms also apply:

General Terms

• Vehicle: includes, but is not limited to, a motor vehicle, a trailer, a farm tractor, and a bicycle.
• Motor vehicle: includes, but is not limited to, an automobile and a motorcycle.
• Bicycle: includes, but is not limited to, a tricycle, a unicycle, and an electric bicycle (e bike).

Additional Defined Terms

• Account holder: a person intending to use or park in visitor parking on University property who has registered and set up a parking account through the University’s online parking portal or an approved third‑party mobile application (e.g., PayByPhone, Offstreet, or HONK).
• Administrative system: the Traffic & Parking Administrative System, consisting of the definitions, guidelines, procedures, processes, and regulations required to give effect to this policy.
• Authority: any person or entity with jurisdiction to act under and enforce legislation, including federal, provincial, and municipal law enforcement agencies and special constables.
• Business day: any weekday, excluding holidays recognized and observed by the University.
• Community member: any employee, student, volunteer, contractor, visitor, applicant, invited guest, or other person permitted to use University property.
• Establish: to implement, manage, and maintain in current form.
• Legislation: any law, by‑law, ordinance, regulation, or directive relating to pedestrian or vehicular traffic and parking.
• Parking facilities: designated parking spaces or areas, including lots and roadway spaces.
• Parking lot: a series of parking spaces within a designated area.
• Parking space: a clearly marked space designated by official signage for parking.
• Parking year: the one‑year period beginning May 1 and ending April 30.
• Permit holder: a person who has registered a parking account for permit parking.
• Policy: PR Policy 1.2.23: Traffic & Parking.
• Regulations: rules or requirements enacted by the University under this policy.
• University: the University of Guelph.
• University authority: persons or entities with delegated jurisdiction under this policy.
• University property: all real property owned, leased, or operated by the University, including roads, pathways, and parking facilities.
• University unit: any academic, research, administrative, or operational unit of the University.

A2. Parking

A2.1. Parking, No Obligation

The University has no legal obligation to provide parking. Parking is offered as a licensed privilege—not a right—and is subject to this policy and its regulations.

A2.2. Parking Principles

• Parking availability is limited.
• Maintaining green space is essential.
• Expansion of parking is constrained by land use.
• Priority parking is given to:
  • Regular full‑time employees;
  • Full‑time commuter students;
  • Community members requiring accessible parking;
  • Students with exceptional circumstances.
• Public transit use is encouraged.
• Campus Parking Services operates as a financially self‑reliant unit.
• Parking fees recover operational and administrative costs.
• Fines collected under University policy support parking operations.

A3. Standards

A3.1. Governing Legislation

All applicable legislation applies on University property. Additional University requirements may be introduced as necessary.

A3.2. Scope

All persons and vehicles on University property must comply with legislation, University policy, and regulations.

A3.5. Responsibilities for Conduct

• Drivers are responsible for their own conduct and that of passengers.
• Passengers are responsible for their own conduct.
• Vehicle owners are responsible for conduct associated with their vehicle.
• Permit holders and account holders are responsible for registered vehicles.

A3.7. Joint and Several Responsibility

The permit holder or account holder, the driver, and the vehicle owner are jointly and severally responsible for any violation involving the vehicle, regardless of who was operating it or whether it was used without consent.

A3.10. Privacy Statement

Personal information is collected under the University of Guelph Act (1964) and protected under FIPPA.

A4. Violations

A4.1. University Sanctions

• Issuance of violation notices and fines
• Towing, impounding, or storing vehicles
• Suspension or revocation of parking privileges
• Referral to collections or withholding of student records
• Criminal or civil proceedings

A4.4. MTO Search for Owner

If a driver cannot be identified, the registered vehicle owner may be deemed responsible based on licence plate information.

A4.6. Payment of Fines

Fines must be paid within ten business days. Outstanding fines remain payable.

A5. General Information and Assistance

Campus Parking Services

• Hours: 8:30 a.m.–4:15 p.m., weekdays
• Phone: 519‑824‑4120 ext. 52118
• Location: Trent Building, 32 Trent Lane PVT

Campus Safety Office

• Emergency: 519‑824‑4120 ext. 52000
• Non‑emergency: 519‑824‑4120 ext. 52246
• Available: 24/7

The University Campus Master Plan (CMP) establishes the long‑term vision for the development of academic, research, ancillary, and administrative facilities. It guides planning, design, and development of University property by integrating:

• the built environment (buildings and facilities);
• campus circulation (roadways, walkways, and parking facilities); and
• the preservation of natural and landscaped areas.

The CMP aims to create a safe, accessible, welcoming, and sustainable campus environment that supports learning, research, and overall campus life.

A7. Parking, No Guarantee

In alignment with the CMP, University property is either already in use or reserved for future academic, research, ancillary, or administrative purposes. Opportunities to add or expand parking are limited, and some existing parking areas may be repurposed for future development.

Parking availability cannot be guaranteed at any time, except for black zone premium permit holders, who are guaranteed parking space.

A8. Parking Facilities, in General

Parking facilities are located throughout the interior and perimeter of University property and may be designated for:

• general use;
• University‑restricted use; or
• a combination of both.

Most parking lots contain multiple designated uses, including:

• loading zones;
• service vehicle spaces;
• University fleet vehicle spaces;
• yellow, red, or blue permit spaces; and
• black zone premium spaces.

The University is not responsible for any costs, damages, or claims associated with parking facilities and shall be indemnified for such claims.

A9. Parking Facilities, for General Purpose / Use

Visitor Parking

Intended for the general public, invited guests, employees, students, and others without permits. Visitor parking operates on a pay‑as‑you‑use basis during posted hours.

Permit Parking

Intended for employees, students, permitted contractors, and other approved users who bring personal vehicles to campus. Permit parking requires:

• advance registration;
• issuance of a permit; and
• payment of applicable fees.

Permit types include:

• Yellow Zone — value perimeter
• Red Zone — basic interior
• Blue Zone — plus interior
• Black Zone — premium interior (guaranteed parking)

A9.1. Accessible Parking Facilities

Accessible parking spaces support the University’s commitment to accessibility and are located throughout general use parking areas. To use an accessible parking space, the following conditions apply:

• A valid University of Guelph parking permit or payment through PayByPhone must be completed in advance; and
• A valid ServiceOntario Accessible Parking Permit must be clearly displayed, and the individual named on the permit must be present as the driver or passenger; or
• Short‑term accessible parking grace may be arranged through Student Accessibility Services (students) or Occupational Health and Wellness (staff) and coordinated with Campus Parking Services.

Accessible parking availability cannot be guaranteed due to demand exceeding supply.

A9.2. Electric Vehicle Charging Station Facilities

EV charging stations support the University’s sustainability goals and may be used only while a vehicle is actively charging, as indicated by the charging station or the vehicle’s onboard system.

Charging is permitted for up to four hours per day in designated locations and only during posted hours. Parking fees apply to the parking space only; no electricity fees are charged.

Green (EV) permit holders and University fleet EVs do not pay additional parking fees while actively charging.

A9.3. Motorcycle Parking Facilities

Motorcycle parking spaces are available in designated areas during posted hours on a fee‑for‑service basis. Motorcycles must use a kickstand support plate to prevent damage to parking surfaces.

A9.4. Bicycle Stand Facilities

Outdoor bicycle racks and covered bicycle shelters are located throughout campus, typically near major buildings. E‑bikes and e‑scooters are not permitted in covered bicycle shelters under any circumstances.

Outdoor racks are free to use and may accommodate:

• bicycles;
• e‑bikes; and
• electric kick scooters (e‑scooters).

Bicycle shelters and racks are for daily use only and may not be used for long‑term storage.

Removing the pedals from an e‑bike classifies it as a motor vehicle. Motor vehicles require proper licensing, insurance, and registration and must use motorcycle parking with a valid motorcycle permit.

A10. Parking Facilities, for University‑Restricted Purpose / Use

University‑restricted parking facilities are not available for general use and are reserved for specific operational and service purposes, including:

• emergency services parking;
• loading zones;
• transit terminals;
• bus stands;
• taxi stands;
• University fleet vehicles;
• service vehicles; and
• construction‑related parking.

A10.1. Emergency Services Parking Facilities

Reserved exclusively for Campus Safety, the Fire Prevention Office, and authorized police, fire, and paramedic vehicles.

A10.2. Loading Zone Facilities

Loading zones are used only for receiving or shipping University goods. Vehicles may park briefly (normally 20 minutes or less) while loading or unloading.

A10.3. Transit Terminal Facilities

Reserved for approved public transit agencies and permitted commercial bus operators for passenger loading and unloading.

A10.4. Bus Stand Facilities

Reserved for City of Guelph Transit and GO/Metrolinx buses. Other commercial buses must arrange access in advance through Campus Parking Services.

After posted parking hours, buses may use designated visitor or permit lots only if approved.

A10.5. Taxi Stand Facilities

Taxi stands may be used only by licensed taxi, limousine, and ride‑hailing services authorized by the University. Operators must:

• use only designated spaces;
• limit parking duration (normally 30 minutes or less);
• stop only for immediate passenger pickup or drop‑off; and
• comply with all additional University requirements.

If taxi stands are full, other operators may not park elsewhere except for immediate passenger exchange.

A10.6. University Fleet Vehicle Parking Facilities

University fleet vehicles must be registered with Physical Resources – Transportation Services and Campus Parking Services. University units are responsible for proper operation, storage, and parking of fleet vehicles in accordance with policy.

A10.7. Service Vehicle Parking Facilities

Restricted to designated University service units and approved third‑party contractors performing ongoing service work. Service vehicle permits are required.

Employees may not use service vehicle permits to park personal vehicles near their work locations.

A10.8. Construction Parking Facilities

Physical Resources may designate specific parking areas for construction contractors and subcontractors. The following conditions apply:

• All contractor vehicles must be registered with Campus Parking Services.
• Construction materials may be stored only in approved zones or hoarded areas.
• Loading and unloading activities must be coordinated in advance with Physical Resources.

Construction parking is not guaranteed. Contractor vehicles must display a valid parking permit, which may include:

• Commercial service permit;
• Yellow permit; or
• Paid visitor parking.

Contractors are not permitted to park in University service vehicle spaces at any time.

The regulations in this section support a safe, healthy, and functional campus environment by ensuring the orderly movement of pedestrians and vehicles entering, circulating within, and exiting University property.

Campus Parking Services enforces parking regulations established under University policy. The Campus Safety Office enforces applicable legislation—including the Highway Traffic Act (Ontario)—and all University policies on University property.

Parking violations are issued under University policy, while traffic violations are issued under provincial legislation.

A16.1. Traffic and Parking to Be Regulated

Unless otherwise stated, any rule governing stopping, standing, parking, or vehicle operation under applicable legislation also applies on University private roads and property. The University may add further restrictions where appropriate.

A16.2. Compliance with Authorities and Signs

• All persons must comply with directions from enforcement authorities.
• All official signs and traffic control devices must be obeyed.
• Official roadway signs apply to both sides of the roadway unless otherwise posted.
• The maximum speed limit on University property is 30 km/h.
• If posted signage conflicts with written regulations, posted signage prevails.

A16.3. Warnings

The University may, at its discretion, issue warnings without fines.

A16.4. Special Exemption Permits

A special exemption permit may authorize activities otherwise prohibited— including parking or operating a vehicle in restricted locations—within clearly defined limits.

A16.5. Identification

Any person on University property must produce identification upon request. Drivers must present:

• a valid driver’s licence;
• vehicle ownership; and
• proof of insurance.

Failure to do so is a violation of legislation and University policy.

A16.6. Damage or Destruction to University Property

Damaging, vandalizing, or destroying University property is prohibited.

A16.7. Skateboarding / Rollerblading

Skateboarding and rollerblading are not permitted anywhere on University property, including buildings and residences.

A16.8. Vehicle Abandonment

• left for 14 or more consecutive days;
• dismantled, wrecked, or inoperable for more than 48 hours; or
• missing a valid licence plate (immediate towing may occur).

Abandoned vehicles may be towed at the owner’s expense without prior notice.

A16.9. Sleeping or Residing in Vehicles Prohibited

Sleeping or maintaining residence in a vehicle, trailer, tent, or similar accommodation on University property is strictly prohibited.

A16.10. Tailgating Prohibited

Tailgate gatherings are not permitted unless approved in advance by Campus Parking Services.

A16.11. Environmental Release of Vehicle Fluids

The release of vehicle fluids onto University property is prohibited. The vehicle owner is responsible for all costs incurred by the University, including cleanup, remediation, and restoration.

A16.12. Vehicle Cleaning or Maintenance

Washing, repairing, or maintaining vehicles is not permitted on University property except in designated areas. Routine snow removal is permitted.

A17. Towing and Impoundment

Any vehicle in violation of legislation or University policy may be towed, impounded, and stored at the discretion of the University.

Towing and storage occur at the vehicle owner’s sole risk, expense, and liability. The University assumes no responsibility for damage, loss, theft, injury, or death.

A17.1. Towing Charges

A18. Traffic Regulations

Violations of the Highway Traffic Act (Ontario) or other legislation are enforced by the Campus Safety Office and must be disputed through the provincial process.

A19. Parking Regulations

Once a vehicle is linked to an account and/or permit, the account holder is responsible for all past and present parking violations associated with that vehicle.

A20. Summary of Parking Violations, Fines, Late Surcharges, and Review Status