In 2002, UTM faced a critical decision related to the provision of parking services to meet the increasing demand associated with dramatic enrollment growth.  Essentially, the issue was: i) simply install more surface parking lots at relatively low cost ($2500/space); or ii) pay higher rates to fund more expensive construction while protecting green space.

This "pay or pave" debate resonated throughout UTM and provided profile to a number of groups and potential projects - all of which were supportive of, or working toward, campus sustainability.  Confirmed growth estimates lent urgency to the issues and served to focus the widespread level of environmental consciousness throughout the UTM community.  Student involvement is a driving force behind many of these initiatives.