Responsible Office: Physical Resources
Responsible Officer: Associate Vice-President (Physical Resources)
Effective Date: September 1, 2025
Previous Reviews: See Revision History
Approving Authority: Associate Vice-President (Physical Resources)
A30. Purpose
The purpose of this document is to set out the regulations enacted by the University to facilitate a safe, healthy learning, working, teaching, living and playing environment for community members through the safe and orderly conduct of pedestrian and vehicular traffic entering onto, circulating within and exiting from University property and of parking on University property.
To reiterate operational responsibilities and authorities:
• Campus Parking Services is responsible for parking enforcement at the University's main campus in Guelph, Ontario; and
• the Campus Safety Office is responsible for enforcement of legislation, including the Highway Traffic Act (Ontario), and University policy, including this policy, the regulations included, on University property.
A31. Definitions
The defined terms in the Highway Traffic Act (Ontario) and in Traffic & Parking Administrative System apply equally in this guideline. For ease of reference, and unless otherwise specified, within this guideline:
• a vehicle includes (but is not limited to) a motor vehicle, a trailer, a farm tractor, and a bicycle;
• a motor vehicle includes (but is not limited to) an automobile and a motorcycle; and
• a bicycle includes (but is not limited to) a tricycle, a unicycle and an electric bicycle (e-bike).
A32. General
A32.1. Traffic & Parking to be Regulated
Unless otherwise specified, any prohibition, restriction, permission, or other requirement regarding the stopping, parking, standing or otherwise operating of a vehicle on a highway under the Highway Traffic Act (Ontario) or on property under municipal bylaw is, respectively, a prohibition, restriction, permission or other requirement on University private roadways or on University property. The University has the right to and may supplement applicable legislation with further prohibitions, restrictions or other requirements considered advisable by the University.
A32.2. Compliance with an Authority and Official Signs
Every person on University property will observe, comply with and obey the directions of an authority, a University authority, and official signs and devices erected by the University on University property to facilitate the safe and orderly movement of pedestrian and vehicular traffic and the appropriate use of University property, including parking facilities, lots, or spaces. Unless otherwise posted by official signs:
• any official sign, including fire route, no parking and other traffic sign on a roadway is applicable to both sides of the entire roadway; and
• the maximum speed limit on University property is 30 km/h
A32.3. Warnings
The University authority, at the University authority’s discretion, may elect to issue warnings relating to violations under these regulations without a fine or penalty.
A32.4. Special Exemption Permit
A special exemption permit may permit certain activities otherwise restricted on University property, including parking, stopping, standing, driving or operating a vehicle, within any parameters for such activities, locations and time periods permitted and authorized in advance in such permit by Campus Parking Services.
A33. General Regulations
A33.1 Identification to be Produced
Any person on University property, upon request by an authority or University authority, must produce proof of identification acceptable to such authority. For further clarity, the driver of a vehicle on University property must produce their driver's license, vehicle ownership and proof of insurance coverage. Failure to provide acceptable documentation or to provide false documentation is in violation of applicable legislation and University policy, including this policy, the regulations included.
A33.2. Damage or Destruction to University Property
A person causing damage or destruction, wilful, malicious or otherwise, to University property is in violation of legislation and University policy, including this policy, the regulations included.
A33.3. Littering Prohibited
Littering on University property is prohibited
A33.4. Skateboarding/Rollerblading
Skateboards/rollerblades are not permitted to be used or otherwise operated on University property. For further certainty, skateboards/rollerblades are not permitted to be used or otherwise operated indoors in any building on University property, residential buildings included.
A33.5. Electric Kick-Scooters, Rules of a Bicycle Apply
Unless otherwise specified, the rules that apply to the operation of a bicycle and to a cyclist under legislation and University policy, including this policy, the regulations included, apply to an electric kick-scooter (e-scooter) and to the operator as if the e-scooter were a bicycle and the operator a cyclist.
A33.6. Bicycles & E-Scooters, Not Permitted Indoors
Bicycles and e-scooters are not permitted to be brought, used or operated, and/or stored inside any University building or structure, including any student residence. As an exception, bicycles (e-bikes and e-scooters being specifically excluded) may be stored in indoor bicycle storage areas provided for such purpose.
A33.7. Vehicle Abandonment
A vehicle left on University property for 14 or more consecutive days is normally considered abandoned and will be towed and treated as such by the University. A vehicle without a valid license plate or that appears to be dismantled or wrecked, in whole or in part, or otherwise inoperable, if left on University property for more than 48 hours, will also be considered abandoned and will be towed and treated as such by the University.
A33.8. Maintaining Residency in a Vehicle Not Permitted
Sleeping or maintaining residence in a vehicle, including a motor vehicle or trailer, tent or similar temporary accommodation, on University property is strictly prohibited.
A33.9. Tailgating Not Permitted
Unless otherwise permitted in advance by Campus Parking Services, tailgate gatherings ("tailgating") are not permitted on or around any vehicle or in any parking space on University property.
A33.10. Environmental Release of Vehicle Fluids
The accidental, malicious or other escape, leak or release of fluids, including gasoline, diesel fuel, motor oil, hydraulic fluid or engine coolant, from a vehicle onto University property or into the environment (environmental release) is contrary to legislation and University policy, including this policy, the regulations included. In the event of an environmental release, in addition and without prejudice to any other right or remedy the University may have under legislation or University policy, including this policy, the regulations included the owner of an offending vehicle is held responsible for paying and will pay to the University all costs and expenses incurred relating to the removal of the offending vehicle and any property or environmental clean-up, remediation or restoration, including legal costs.
A33.11. Vehicle Cleaning or Maintenance Not Permitted
Cleaning, washing, polishing, repair, refurbishment or other maintenance of vehicles is not permitted on University property, except when such undertakings are performed in developed spaces intended for and approved by the University authority for such purposes.
A33.12. Towing
Any vehicle in violation of legislation or University policy, including this policy, the regulations included, may be subject to tow or impound and storage.
A message left on a parked or abandoned vehicle will not prevent a vehicle from being towed and/or ticketed
The towing or impoundment and storage of a vehicle are at the vehicle owner's sole risk, expense and liability. The University does not at any time become a bailor of towed or impounded vehicles. Furthermore, the University does not assume any responsibility or liability whatsoever for any damage, destruction, theft or loss of any property, including a vehicle or the contents of a vehicle, or for injury to or death or a person, however caused from the towing or impoundment or storage of a vehicle.
Impounded vehicles are normally released after full payment of all towing charges has been received by the University-approved towing company. Arrangements for the release of an impounded vehicle are made in advance with Campus Parking Services. Impounded vehicles are stored at the University-approved towing company's leased compound in University parking lot P19.
The payment of towing charges to the University-approved towing company is in addition and without prejudice to any right or remedy the University may have at law or under these regulations.
A33.13. Summary of Violations of General Regulations and Fines (Non-Reviewable)
The following is a summary of certain violations of the general regulations together with corresponding fines levied upon the issuance of a violation notice.
| Violation | Fine |
|---|---|
| Warning: Violation identified | $0.00 |
| Damage/ vandalism to University property/ parking lot | $200.00 |
| Littering on University property | $45.00 |
| Abandoned vehicle | $45.00 |
| Park/ store bicycle, electric kick-scooter inside building | $45.00 |
| Pedestrian crossing roadway, not a crossing – not in safety | $45.00 |
| Pedestrian crossing roadway, distracted – not in safety | $45.00 |
| Administrative fee for insufficient funds | $45.00 |
| Cost recovery fee for University conducted MTO searches | $20.00 |
Violation notices issued for the foregoing violations are exempt from the University violation notice review process and therefore a request for review of such violation notice will not be considered.
A33.14. Summary of Towing Charges (Non-Reviewable)
The following is a list of towing charges together with corresponding fines.
| Cost Recovery Charge | Fee |
|---|---|
| Daily storage of towed vehicle, including any part day | $20.00 |
| Release of towed vehicle between 08:00 and 20:00 | $115.00 |
| Release of towed vehicle between 20:00 and 08:00 | $158.00 |
| Surcharge for onsite release of towed vehicle | $62.00 |
| Per trip surcharge for multiple trips to release same towed vehicle, | $43.00 |
Cost recovery of towing charges are exempt from the University violation notice review process and therefore a request for review of such cost recovery will not be considered.
A34. Traffic Regulations
A34.1. Pedestrian Right-of-Way
The rules that apply to a pedestrian under legislation and University policy, including this policy, the regulations included, apply to a person using or otherwise operating a wheelchair or other personal mobility device that is designed for and used by that person whose mobility is limited by one or more conditions or functional impairments.
Pedestrians have right-of-way on sidewalks, pathways, and walkways as well as at roadway pedestrian crossings and crosswalks.
Pedestrians are strongly encouraged to cross roadways only at intersections, using pedestrian crossings and crosswalks provided. Pedestrians are further encouraged to refrain from crossing a roadway at any other point along the roadway. Pedestrians crossing a roadway at a point other than a pedestrian crossing or crosswalk is a violation of legislation and University policy, including this policy, the regulations included.
Pedestrians are encouraged to maintain awareness of their surroundings, including walking surfaces, at all times while walking. Pedestrians are further encouraged to refrain from using or looking down at their hand-held devices while walking or crossing a roadway, particularly at any pedestrian crossing or crosswalk, so as not to be distracted while walking or crossing. A pedestrian walking or crossing a roadway while distracted is a violation of legislation and University policy, including this policy, the regulations included.
A34.2. No Parking, Stopping or Standing
Unless otherwise posted or permitted by official signs, vehicles (emergency vehicles and certain University unit service vehicles excepted) are not permitted to park, stop or stand on University property.
A34.3. Emergency Vehicles RIght-of-Way
Emergency vehicles with its lights flashing, including the Campus Safety Office and Fire Prevention Office vehicles, have right-of-way on University property. A vehicle parking, stopping or standing in or otherwise being driven or operated so as to cause an obstruction or other interference with any emergency vehicle is prohibited.
A34.4. No Obstruction or Interference
Vehicles (emergency vehicles and certain University service unit vehicles excepted) are not permitted at any time to park, stop, stand or be driven or otherwise operated on University property so as to cause an obstruction or other interference with the use of any entrance onto or exit from University property, or of any roadway, any designated fire route (applies to both sides of the roadway), any fire hydrant (within three meters thereof), any sidewalk, pathway, or walkway, any entrance into or exit from any building, parking facilities or lot, developed space, landscaped areas, green spaces or any other area on University property where vehicles are prohibited.
For greater clarity, sidewalks, pathways, walkways, natural environments, landscaped spaces and athletic playing fields are designated as pedestrian areas and, therefor, vehicles (emergency vehicles and certain University vehicles excepted) are prohibited from such sidewalks, pathways, walkways, natural environments, landscaped spaces and athletic playing fields.
A34.5. Bicycle, E-Scooter Restrictions
Bicycles and e-scooters are only permitted to be used or otherwise operated on the roadways, including shoulders of roadways, and bike paths of the following University private roadways:
- Arboretum Road
- Chancellor’s Way
- Christie Lane
- Dundas Lane
- East Ring Road
- Grange Lane
- Hersey Lane
- Lang Way
- Lennox Lane
- MacDonald Street
- McGilvray Street
- McIntosh Lane
- Reynolds Walk (roadway portion)
- Smith Lane
- South Lane
- South Ring Road East
- South Ring Road West
- Trent Lane
- Watson Lane
For greater certainty, bicycles and e-scooters are not permitted to be used or otherwise operated on the following University private roadways:
- University Circle (Transit Terminal)
Furthermore, bicycles and e-scooters are not permitted to be used or otherwise operated on University sidewalks, pathways, or walkways, including sidewalks, pathways, or walkways adjacent to any University private roadway, within University natural or landscaped environments, including, in particular, the following University walkways and Arboretum trails:
- Alumni Walk
- Reek Walk
- Reynolds Walk (walkway portion)
- The Cowpath
- Winegard Walk
Bicycles and e-scooters shall keep a safe distance from pedestrians and give right-of-way to a pedestrian by slowing (to a lesser speed than the pedestrian) or stopping, as necessary, where there is insufficient space for the pedestrian/ vehicle to pass.
Using or otherwise operating a bicycle or e-scooter on University sidewalks, pathways, or walkways or within University natural or landscaped environments at a speed that is markedly greater than the speed of pedestrians proximate to such vehicle represents a further violation of legislation and University policy, including this policy, the regulations included.
A34.6. Transit Terminal Restricted
Only buses of permitted transit commissions, including Guelph Transit and Metrolinx/ GO Transit, and permitted commercial bus companies are permitted to park, stop, stand or otherwise be driven or operated in the transit terminals situated on the University private roadway, University Circle. Other commercial bus companies are restricted to using available bus stands on University property.
As an exception, a motor vehicle displaying a valid, ServiceOntario-issued accessible parking permit may access University Circle to temporarily stand at the University Centre main entrance, using only the outside (right-hand) lane and only if safe to do so, for the explicit purpose of, and while actively engaged in promptly receiving or discharging passengers with physical disabilities.
Any vehicle (emergency vehicles and certain University vehicles excepted) parking, stopping or standing in or otherwise being driven or operated so as to cause an obstruction or other interference with buses or the transit terminal is in violation of legislation and University policy, including this policy, the regulations included.
A34.7. Off-Road Vehicles Prohibited
Motor vehicles intended for off-road use, including snow machines, all-terrain vehicles, dirt bikes and pocket bikes, are not permitted on University property, except by special exception permit issued in advance by a University authority.
A34.8. Hand-Held Devices Prohibited
The hand-held use of any wireless communication device or electronic entertainment device while driving or otherwise operating a vehicle on University property is prohibited. The use of a hand-held wireless communication device in hands-free mode is permitted while driving or otherwise operating a motor vehicle on University property. This prohibition does not apply to any authority or University authority.
A34.9. Traffic Redirection and Road Closures
Where either an authority or University authority considers it advisable to:
- ensure orderly movement of traffic,
- prevent injury to persons or damage to property,
- permit proper action in an emergency;
the authority or University authority may:
- direct traffic, or require traffic be directed, and every person must obey such traffic directions;
- close, or cause to be closed, any roadways or walkways with or without notice.
A34.10. Driver to Stop and Obey Directions
Either an authority or University authority, in the lawful execution of assigned duties, may require a vehicle to stop. The driver of such a vehicle, when signaled or requested to stop, will immediately bring the vehicle to a safe and complete stop and will obey all further directions of the authority or University authority.
A34.11. Summary of Traffic Violations and Fines
Traffic Violations & Fines are issued by Campus Safety Office under the Highway Traffic Act.
A violation notice issued by the Campus Safety Office, with respect to a contravention of the Highway Traffic Act (Ontario) or other legislation may be disputed only in accordance with the dispute mechanism set-out by such legislation.
A35. Parking Regulations
A35.1. Parking Permitted
Parking is only permitted in a parking space that has been clearly marked, typically between two parallel yellow painted lines, posted, signed, and designated for parking purposes. Any area on University property that is not posted, signed, designated or otherwise marked for parking purposes is considered a “no parking” area and parking in such an area is prohibited. The absence of any signage to the contrary does not permit or authorize parking elsewhere on University property.
A35.2. Bicycle, E-Scooter Parking
Bicycles and e-scooters are only permitted to be parked and secured in outdoor bicycle stands provided for such purpose; bicycles and e-scooters are not permitted at any time to be secured to outdoor furniture or furnishings, fences or gates, light- or sign-posts, trees, waste or recycling receptacles, or any other object on University property.
A35.3. Motorcycle Parking
Motorcycle kickstand support plates must be used to prevent damage to parking surfaces from the motorcycle's kickstand.
A35.4. Overnight Parking Restricted
Overnight parking may be restricted to facilitate winter maintenance services work, including snow or ice clearing, pushing or removal from December 1st through to and ending March 31st, whether snow or ice is present or not. Information is available online regarding overnight parking restrictions times and locations.
A35.5. Summary of Violations of Parking Regulations & Fines (Non-Reviewable)
The following is a summary of certain violations of the parking regulations together with corresponding fines and applicable late payment surcharges, if any, levied upon issuance of a violation notice.
| Violation | Fine | Late Payment Surcharge |
|---|---|---|
| Abandoned vehicle | $45.00 | $5.00 |
| Double parked | $45.00 | $5.00 |
| Drive in restricted bus area/ emergency vehicle only areas | $100.00 | $10.00 |
| Lost/ revoked parking privileges (due to unpaid fines, repeat tickets) | $100.00 | $10.00 |
| Obstruct building fire exit or emergency egress | $100.00 | $10.00 |
| Park in accessible space/ no accessible/ disability permit | $300.00 | $10.00 |
| Park at end of an aisle | $45.00 | $5.00 |
| Park in a reserved space/ premium space | $70.00 | $10.00 |
| Park with no valid permit | $70.00 | $10.00 |
| Park over time limit permitted | $45.00 | $5.00 |
| Park vehicle in a fire route/ emergency route | $100.00 | $10.00 |
| Park non-electric vehicle in designated EV charging station space | $125.00 | $10.00 |
| Park electric vehicle in EV charging station, not plugged-in/ not charging | $125.00 | $10.00 |
Violation notices issued for the foregoing violations are exempt from the University violation notice review process and therefore a request for review of such violation notice will not be considered.
A35.6. Summary of Violations of Parking Regulations & Fines (Reviewable)
The following is a summary of certain violations of the parking regulations together with corresponding fines and applicable late payment surcharges, if any, levied upon issuance of a violation notice.
| Violation | Fine | Late Payment Surcharge |
|---|---|---|
| Arboretum Road - exceed maximum 2 hr limit per day $70.00 | $70.00 | $10.00 |
| Arboretum Road - improper use | $70.00 | $10.00 |
| Expired paybyphone area/no payment | $45.00 | $5.00 |
| Expired HONK area/no payment | $45.00 | $5.00 |
| Fail to register vehicle | $45.00 | $5.00 |
| Failure to notify change in parking account | $45.00 | $5.00 |
| Obstruct a loading zone | $45.00 | $5.00 |
| Obstruct a walkway | $45.00 | $5.00 |
| Obstruct an accessible/ disabled access route – bicycle | $20.00 | $5.00 |
| Park blocking other vehicles | $45.00 | $5.00 |
| Park multiple vehicles on University property linked to one permit without additional payment (each offending vehicle will receive a ticket) | $5.00 | |
| Park in an unauthorized/ hash line area | $45.00 | $5.00 |
| Park in restricted overnight area | $45.00 | $5.00 |
| Park in incorrect permit parking zone | $45.00 | $5.00 |
| Park on boulevard or sidewalk | $45.00 | $5.00 |
| Park, stand, stop, operate vehicle in prohibited area - Impeding | $45.00 | $5.00 |
Violation notices issued for the foregoing violations may be considered for review upon request in accordance with the University violation notice review process as outlined in Section F6.7 Request for Violation Notice Review, Certain Parking Violations.
A35.7. Request for Violation Notice Review, Certain Parking Violations
The University has established a violation notice review process to consider certain violation notices with respect to contraventions of certain parking regulations issued by Campus Parking Services in instances where such violation notice is believed to have been issued contrary to the parking regulations, or otherwise in error.
A person who has been issued a violation notice from Campus Parking Services for contravening the general or parking regulations, or both, and who has reason to dispute such notice, including the amount of the fine or other sanction under such notice, may submit online a request to have such violation notice reviewed. Section F6.8 Writing an Effective Request for Review below provides suggestions for writing an effective request for violation notice review. A lack of knowledge or awareness of the regulations does not establish grounds for a request for review to be considered.
A request for review of a violation notice must be submitted within ten business days from the issue date on the violation notice; a request for review received after the tenth business day is not considered.
Normally within five business days after the receipt of a request for review, the Manager, Campus Parking Services (or designate) considers the request for review together with any information relevant to the matter and issues a decision notice from among the following:
- Deny the request, upholding the violation notice, the fine and any sanction
- Accept the request, upholding the violation notice, but reducing (not eliminating) the fine and/ or amending (not eliminating) any sanction; or
- Accept the request, overturning the violation notice, the fine, and any sanction.
Decisions with respect to requests for review and decision notices shall be final, conclusive and binding upon the requester and the University.
Any payments owing to the University arising from the decision notice become due and payable within ten business days from the issue date of the decision notice and may be paid online.
A35.8. Writing an Effective Request for Review
The following are some suggestions for writing an effective request for review:
- Be certain the request for review is based on the contention that the violation notice was issued contrary to the applicable general or parking regulations, or in error. A lack of knowledge or awareness of the regulations does not constitute grounds for a request for review to be considered;
- Keep the information as brief as possible while still providing pertinent information and addressing the specific issue for which the violation notice was issued;
- Tangential matters cannot and will not be considered. Avoid editorializing. The University is well aware that convenient parking and loading zones may be limited at peak times
- Avoid confusing parking issues with issues of safety or security;
- Remember, violation notices are not usually overturned and requests for review are not usually considered for any of the following or similar reasons:
- “Everybody parks there, and I am the only one who got a ticket”
- “I thought it was a parking space” or “I didn’t know (see the sign)” & “I’ve parked there for the last 5 weeks (months, years, etc.) and I’ve never been ticketed before”
- “I was only there for 5 or 10 minutes”
- “I (My friend, My sick friend, etc.) had to use the washroom”; or
- “How was I supposed to know it was going to snow last night?”