A6. University Campus Master Plan
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.