Transportation

Because UTM will continue to be primarily a commuter campus, it is not surprising that the transportation-related issues associated with enrollment growth were the catalyst for Grow Smart, Grow Green.  The basic economics of providing a sufficient number of parking spaces for a campus population projected to grow from less than 6,000 to more than 11,500 galvanized the debate.  The Master Plan (2000) had recommended the placement of all new buildings on existing parking lots, each to be constructed on top of an underground garage.

At a cost of $35,000 per spot in 2004, it quickly became evident that the garage under the new CCIT building was the last of its kind that could be afforded.  Expansion of surface lots, at a cost of only $2,500 per spot, would protect historically low parking rates but would quickly encroach onto undeveloped land.  It was clearly a case of "pay or pave".  ECC mandated a maximum supply of 30 parking spaces per 100 of campus population, endorsed a plan for a 1,000-space above-ground parking structure and in support of that plan, approved parking rate increases of 30% for at least three years.  The per capita demand for parking has continued to decline, from a high of 30:100 to about 17.5:100.  Expansion of supply will continue to be met through additional single-level parking decks at the south end of the campus as needed.

ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY TRANSPORTATION:

Carpooling - through Smart Commute Mississauga, members of the UTM community are able to join the carpool zone specifically for our campus, and connect with others to share a carpool permit. This takes cars off the road and out of campus parking lots, and reduces the consumption of fossil fuels.

Public Transit - full-time students are able to use the U-Pass to ride MiWay throughout the year. This pass is administered through the University of Toronto Mississauga Student Union, and has significantly increased the number of transit users on campus.

Bike Riding - with plenty of bike racks available on campus, it is easy to ride your bike and ensure that it is secure. Students also have access to BikeShare, a bike rental service which is free for all students. This reduces the need for fossil fuels, and has a low environmental impact.

Walking, Skateboarding, Roller Blading - these are all low-impact options which reduce vehicle congestion on campus and contribute to better air quality.

Anti-Idling Campaign - In partnership with the City of Mississauga, UTM has been designated an "Idle Free Zone" with signs all around the campus to reduce the practice of idling.