Changes as of May 1

parking lot full of cars.

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Background

The University of Waterloo is committed to promoting sustainability through our research and actions.

Transportation is a large part of Waterloo’s environmental footprint and is an integral component of the University’s Strategic Plan. An important part of fulfilling our commitment to engage in more sustainable practices is to determine the most responsible way to manage the daily movement of tens of thousands of people to our campuses.
Over the years, the University has been providing parking services with fees that have remained the same for over a decade. To continue to deliver on the University community’s expectations, we need to expand and enhance our services, which will require an increase in parking fees.

Since 2023, Parking Services has been collaborating on a much-needed plan to create more sustainable transportation options. In addition to ensuring that parking lots are fully used, and that access is more equitable, the plan will improve supports to make walking, cycling, carpooling, and transit more effective and convenient. 

New name, new services, new fees 

To reflect this change in focus and direction, Parking Services has changed its name to Sustainable Transportation effective May 1, 2024. In support of the planned improvements and required repairs and maintenance, parking fees increased at the Waterloo campus as of May 1, 2024. This is the first time in 12 years parking fees have increased.

The new transformative plan will enable Sustainable Transportation to enhance the following critical services.

Renew infrastructure

Curbs will be repaired and catch basins will receive the regular maintenance required to ensure effective drainage. Several larger parking lots will also be resurfaced, and lines repainted.

Provide secure bike storage

Due to limited bike storage, there are long wait lists for bike lockers. Additional storage areas will be made available and bike cages will be made more secure at a low cost, making the option for biking to work and school more practical.

Support improvement of roads, pathways, and lighting

Replacing lighting on roadways and pedestrian pathways with LED lighting will save on energy costs, while resurfacing pathways will improve accessibility across campus.

Develop the shuttle service

Currently the shuttle service is available for short periods each day and has limited stops. A key priority area is to expand the number of stops and the duration of service. Information will be released in the coming months with a revised implementation plan.

Enhance Electronic Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure

Installing several new EV charging stations across campus will encourage the use of electric vehicles on campus. This supports Waterloo’s goal of implementing innovative solutions to exceed our targets for sustainability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please read through the below FAQ. For any additional questions please send us and email a strnsprt@uwaterloo.ca.

Why are fees going up?

This is the first time in 12 years that we have increased our parking fees. They are still well below the industry standard. Over the years, our maintenance costs have been steadily growing; several lots need full resurfacing, line repainting, catchment basin and curb work, as well as other repairs to gates and pay and display machines, etc. The change in fees allows us to maintain lots and provide/invest in more sustainable transportation options that benefit students, employees, and the planet.

Why is this change happening now?

The University regularly reviews various programs and fees to optimize operations. Parking fees have not increased in 12 years while the cost of services, materials, and resources is rising.

Was there consultation with campus/stakholders about these changes?

Yes. All proposals for parking were discussed at the Parking Advisory Committee, with representation from CUPE, the Faculty Association of the University of Waterloo, Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association, and the Staff Association. The committee was unanimous in its endorsement of these changes and the proposed change has been approved by the Deans Council. This plan was also shared with leaders across the University through the Leadership Forum, Council of Academic Leaders, the Staff Relations committee, and the Faculty Relations committee.

Will there still be separate designated lots for students, Faculty and staff?

Will parking on campus be adopting a First-come, First served model?

Adopting a first-come, first-served model is part of our revised plan and will be implemented at a later date, based on the installation of supporting infrastructure and technology solutions.   

What happens if my parking is currently on hold (e.g., maternity leave, long-term disability, sabbatical)?

In preparation for your return contact the Sustainable Transportation desk for information on parking permits and to start your deductions.

Can I put my parking pass on hold?

Yes, parking passes can be put on hold at any time for a minimum period of 4 to 6 months.

Will my name remain on a Waitlist for my desired lot?

Yes. Every effort is made to provide the parking lot of your choice. To review your waitlist standings please log into epark at https://uwparking.uwaterloo.ca/

How will this affect big events on campus?

Parking agreements that are in place for special events will continue unchanged. To arrange parking accommodations for a special event, please contact strnsprt@uwaterloo.ca. 

Will parking be free on weekends?

Free weekend parking is available in Lot X from 4:30 p.m. Friday to 6:00 a.m. Monday morning.  
 

Will there be changes to parking citations?

Parking citations costs will be increasing in line with the other increases made across Sustainable Transportation. These rate increases bring the University in line with the Region of Waterloo costs. Enforcement is used as a last resort for compliance, and individuals are urged to follow the rules and regulations to prevent ticketing. Refer to the ticket fines chart for details.

How do changes impact accessibility needs for parking?

Our plan includes careful consideration to ensure minimal impact on accessibility needs. There is no change to existing barrier-free spaces on campus and the same rules regarding eligibility for these spaces apply. We continue to work with AccessAbility Services to ensure compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) in the redesign of lots and spaces. There have been no changes to the employee process for securing a temporary parking arrangement for accessibility purposes.

My department has several allocated parking spaces (e.g., Dean’s visitor spaces). What will happen to those?

The majority of designated spaces will remain in place and the same registration process will continue. Designated spaces will be billed at the regular rate to the department. If you do not need the spaces that have been allocated to your department, please contact Sustainable Transportation.

Are parking changes happening at satellite campuses?

There are no changes planned for the Kitchener, Cambridge and Stratford campuses in 2024.

Do we need to update our website to link to the new Sustainable Transportation website?

Because Parking Services has changed to Sustainable Transportation, the URL is different and must be updated in any references going forward. Any existing links that currently point to the Parking Services website will be automatically redirected to the new website.

Will this affect the student Upass

There are no changes to the UPass at this time. Our Sustainable Transportation Specialist will facilitate negotiations with GRT to maintain or reduce costs where possible.

How will these changes impact students in campus Housing?

If you live in residence, you will continue to purchase parking specific to your residence. Residents of Village 1, Ron Eydt Village, and Mackenzie King Village will park in lots J, S, and V. Columbia Lake Village (CLV) residents (North and South) will continue to park at CLV. Residents living at UW Place will continue to park there. Residence permits are not interchangeable between other residences, and a residence pass is not applicable in other lots across campus.

How is sustainability research informing changes to parking?  

Our Sustainable Transportation Specialist will be working collaboratively with the Sustainability Office and other stakeholders (on campus and externally) to support the development of a Sustainable Transportation Plan and to project manage important future initiatives.

Are there lots that are just for students?

I live in residence. Will I have a spot to park by my building?

Residence permits are sold with the intention of providing space for everyone living in residence. Lot utilization and seasonal considerations are considered while maximizing the number of passes issued.

I'm moving into residence for the spring term. Will permits still be available in lots close to my building in the middle of May?

Historically, residence permits are available throughout the term and have never sold out. We don’t anticipate this changing.

As a student, can I park in a visitor space?

Yes, you may park in a visitor space and pay the applicable visitor rate.

Ask questions

For any additional questions please send us and email at strnsprt@uwaterloo.ca.

Parking citations


Violation Rate
WARNING: $0.00
FAIL TO DISPLAY DECAL/PERMIT $40.00
FAIL TO PRODUCE INSURANCE OF VEHICLE $75.00
PARKED OTHER THAN PRESCRIBED PARKING LOT $40.00
PARKED OTHER THAN A DESIGNATED $40.00
PARKED ON SIDEWALK, PATH OR GRASS $40.00
PARKED OBSTRUCTING BOLLARD GATES $40.00
MOTORCYCLE ILLEGALLY PARKED $40.00
PARKED PROHIBITED HOURS (0300- 0600) $40.00
EXPIRED METER $40.00
EXPIRED AND/OR CANCELLED DECAL $40.00
PARKED IN A FIRE ROUTE $100.00
ALTERED OR FRAUDULENT PERMIT $200.00
DISPLAY LOST/STOLEN PERMIT $150.00
UNAUTHORIZED USE OF PERMIT $75.00
PARK AT EXPIRED PAY BY PHONE AREA $40.00
UNAUTHORIZED ENTRY/EXIT $100.00
ILLEGALLY PARKED IN ACCESSIBLE $200.00
OBSTRUCT ACCESSIBLE ACCESSWAY $75.00
OBSTRUCT EMERGENCY VEHICLE ACCESSWAY $75.00
D LOT PARKING CHARGES $21.00
H LOT PARKING CHARGES $14.00

Moving/Special Constables citations

Violation Rate
WARNING: $0.00
FAIL TO PRODUCE INSURANCE OF VEHICLE $75.00
DRIVING WITHOUT DUE CARE AND ATTENTION $125.00
PROHIBITED ROLLER BLADES ON CAMPUS $40.00
DRVING VEHICLE OTHER THAN ROADWAY $40.00
ASSIST UNAUTHORIZED ENTRY $100.00
PARKED PROHIBITED HOURS (0300- 0600) $40.00
FAIL TO OBEY SIGNAL OF POLICE OFFICER $75.00
U-TURN ON CAMPUS $40.00
OPERATE PROHIBITED VEHICLE ON CAMPUS $75.00
FAIL TO REPORT ACCIDENT $125.00
FAIL TO REPORT DAMAGE TO PROPERTY $125.00
FAIL TO PRODUCE OWNERSHIP OF VEHICLE $75.00
FAIL TO PRODUCE DRIVER'S LICENCE $75.00
FAIL TO STOP, STOP SIGN $40.00
FAIL TO YIELD RIGHT OF WAY $40.00
FAIL TO YIELD TO PEDESTRIAN $75.00
UNNECESSARY NOISE $40.00
SMOKING WHERE PROHIBITED $50.00
SPEEDING 1KM OVER POSTED LIMIT $41.00
SPEEDING 2KM OVER POSTED LIMIT $42.00
SPEEDING 3KM OVER POSTED LIMIT $43.00
SPEEDING 4KM OVER POSTED LIMIT $44.00
SPEEDING 5KM OVER POSTED LIMIT $45.00
SPEEDING 6KM OVER POSTED LIMIT $46.00
SPEEDING 7KM OVER POSTED LIMIT $47.00
SPEEDING 8KM OVER POSTED LIMIT $48.00
SPEEDING 9KM OVER POSTED LIMIT $49.00
SPEEDING 10KM OVER POSTED LIMIT $50.00
SPEEDING 11KM OVER POSTED LIMIT $51.00
SPEEDING 12KM OVER POSTED LIMIT $52.00
SPEEDING 13KM OVER POSTED LIMIT $53.00
SPEEDING 14KM OVER POSTED LIMIT $54.00
SPEEDING 15KM OVER POSTED LIMIT $55.00
SPEEDING 16KM OVER POSTED LIMIT $56.00
SPEEDING 17KM OVER POSTED LIMIT $57.00
SPEEDING 18KM OVER POSTED LIMIT $58.00
SPEEDING 19KM OVER POSTED LIMIT $59.00
SPEEDING 20KM OVER POSTED LIMIT $60.00
SPEEDING 21KM OVER POSTED LIMIT $61.00
SPEEDING 22KM OVER POSTED LIMIT $62.00
SPEEDING 23KM OVER POSTED LIMIT $63.00
SPEEDING 24KM OVER POSTED LIMIT $64.00
SPEEDING 25KM OVER POSTED LIMIT $65.00
SPEEDING 26KM OVER POSTED LIMIT $66.00
SPEEDING 27KM OVER POSTED LIMIT $67.00
SPEEDING 28KM OVER POSTED LIMIT $68.00
SPEEDING 29KM OVER POSTED LIMIT $69.00
SPEEDING 30KM OVER POSTED LIMIT $70.00
SPEEDING 30KM-40KM OVER POSTED LIMIT $100.00
SPEEDING 40KM-50KM OVER POSTED LIMIT  $125.00
SPEEDING IN A PARKING LOT $40.00

Ask questions

For any additional questions please send us and email at strnsprt@uwaterloo.ca.