Create a safe and enjoyable downtown environment for students

The project involves the coordination of road closures and additional amenities in the city’s core to improve road safety, and decrease instances of littering, public urination and other nuisances.

Safe Semester runs every Friday and Saturday night until October 1.

“We have witnessed a noticeable improvement in the downtown late-night environment in the years since Safe Semester started. I want to thank the many partners – including the University, Guelph Police, and downtown businesses and residents – who have worked together with the City to come up with innovative ideas that really work,” says Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie.

“Again this year we have teamed up with many partners to develop our Safe Semester plan,” says Chief of Police, Jeff DeRuyter. “It is our goal to effectively respond to the increased calls for service and to continue to make Guelph an excellent and safe community in which to live.”

Leading the initiative is Guelph’s Downtown Late Night Task Force, which includes representatives from the City, Guelph Transit, Guelph Police Service, Downtown Guelph Business Association, University of Guelph, the Downtown Residents’ Neighbourhood Association and downtown businesses.

What to expect downtown on weekends

On Fridays and Saturdays between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m.:

• All parking lots remain open including the West Parkade.
• Macdonell Street is closed to traffic between the Macdonell Street parking lot and the West Parkade.
• Wyndham Street is closed to traffic between Carden Street and Cork Street.
• One wheelchair accessible portable washroom is located at Guelph Central Station.
• A taxi stand is located on the north side of Carden Street across from Guelph Central Station.
• Bus service to University of Guelph on Platform 11 at Guelph Central Station

Vehicles parked on the closed sections of Macdonell Street and Wyndham Street after 10 p.m. will be towed and impounded at the owner’s expense.

Visit guelph.ca/safesemester for more information.

Late night bus service starts September 8

Late night service starts after the end of regular service on September 8, with shuttles travelling between Guelph Central Station and University Centre, and from the University Centre to the surrounding area.

Details are posted on guelphtransit.ca. Late night service is funded by the students at the University of Guelph, and managed through a contract between the Central Student Association and Guelph Transit.