Guelph, Ont., August 30, 2017 – The 2017 Safe Semester project, running September 8 to October 1, promotes a safe environment for students returning to Guelph, and a respect for shared community spaces.
During Safe Semester, roads in the downtown area will be closed from 10 p.m. until 4 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. There will also be additional downtown services such as extended late night transit, extra portable washrooms and increased access to taxis.
“Safe Semester is truly a collaborative effort. We have seen dramatic improvements over the past years since Safe Semester began,” says Mayor Cam Guthrie. “I want to thank all of the partners and students who work together to promote a safe and positive environment as we celebrate the beginning of the school year.”
“The Guelph Police Service is excited to be a part of this initiative again this year. We will be glad to see a continued decrease in calls for infractions while being able to maintain the reputation Guelph has for being a safe community,” says Chief of Police, Jeff DeRuyter.
Safe Semester downtown closures and services, Fridays and Saturdays between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. :
· All parking lots will remain open for parking including the West Parkade.
· A 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.
· Late night bus service travelling between Platform 11 at Guelph Central Station and the University Centre and surrounding area, starts September 7.
· Macdonell Street is closed to traffic between the Macdonell Street parking lot and the West Parkade.
· 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.
· Wyndham Street is closed to traffic between Carden Street and Cork Street.
For more information, please visit guelph.ca/safesemester. Transit information can be found at guelphtransit.ca.
About Safe Semester:
Safe Semester is entering its sixth year of operation and has seen year-over-year improvement in decreasing public complaints of parking, public urination and noise violations. 2016 saw a 26 per cent decrease in noise complaints, and a 78 per cent decrease of public urination tickets issued.
Safe Semester wouldn’t be possible without Guelph’s Late Night Task Force comprised of representatives from the City of Guelph, Guelph Transit, Guelph Police Service, the Downtown Guelph Business Association, University of Guelph’s Central Student Association (CSA), the Downtown Residents’ Neighbourhood Association and downtown businesses. All partners play a significant role in making the return of Guelph’s students as safe as possible.
Media Contacts:
David Weidrick, Manager of Bylaw Compliance
Security and Licensing, Operations
519-822-1260 extension 3475
david.wiedrick@guelph.ca
Bryan (Buzz) Dean, Public Information Officer
Guelph Police Service
519-824-1212 extension 7214
bdean@guelphpolice.ca