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, 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, 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.  It is expected that in 2004/05, plans for the alternate delivery of Parking services and the construction of the new parking structure will be finalized - at no additional cost to UTM users.

Environmentally-friendly transportation:

• Smart Commute Mississauga
• Public Transit:
  Click HERE to learn the many possibilities in public transporation to UTM.


• Negotiations with Mississauga Transit have recently yielded three new direct transit between the campus and Square One Shopping Centre, (a major transit hub to the northeast of the campus).  There are continuing discussions to further improve transit routes to UTM and a possible UPASS.


• UTM has signaled interest in being included as a stop on the 407 route that connects a number of higher education institutions and is active in discussions on GO Transit improvements through UTM's participation in Peel's Transportation Demand Management group.


• UTM Carpool & Rideshare Program: learn about UTM's carpool and rideshare program, another environmentally friendly inititative that is yielding positive results.


• UTM BikeShare: learn about this exciting program promoting active and healthy lifestyles as well as alternative transportation to improve the local air quality and campus parking congestion
  
• 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 this effect.  Learn about UTM's Anti-Idling Campaign HERE.  Learn about the City of Mississauga's Anti-Idling Campaign HERE.