International Car-Free Day

To all faculty, staff and students:

Once again, McGill is proud to participate in International Car Free Day, which will be held on September 22, 2009.

Since Car Free Day was first held in Paris 1998, participation in this event has grown immensely and it is now celebrated annually in thousands of cities worldwide by hundreds of millions of people.  This is done in a continuing effort to sensitize people to the effects of vehicles on the quality of urban life and to encourage alternative means of transport, including walking, cycling, car-pooling, and public transportation.

McGill's participation in Car Free Day emphasizes the importance we place on the principles spelled out in our environmental policy and our move to reduce parking on lower campus. In addition, it demonstrates our commitment to minimize the emission of pollutants that are detrimental to our health and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

We are aware that Car Free Day may cause some temporary inconvenience, but we are confident that you will agree that this is a worthwhile event.

In light of the campus events that will take place on Car Free Day:

-          Vehicles will not be permitted to enter via the Roddick Gates from 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

-          To ensure the safety of pedestrians, there will be extremely limited parking and vehicular circulation prior to 5:00 p.m. anywhere on the main campus.

-          Deliveries will be restricted from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Please note that exceptions will be granted to individuals with disabilities who require proximity parking, to McGill service and emergency vehicles, and construction vehicles.  In these cases, entry can be made through the Milton gate.

If you feel that you must drive to work on Car Free Day and are unable to leave your car at home, limited parking will be available at the following parking lots for holders of A and C permits only:

-          Engineering Courtyard (FDA courtyard)
-          Behind the Faculty Club/Bookstore
-          Powell Student Services Building East (McTavish Street above Doctor Penfield)
-          Powell Student Services Building West (Peel Street above Doctor Penfield)
-          Drummond Street (Sir William Osler above Doctor Penfield)

Thank-you in advance for your cooperation and I hope you will actively participate in Car Free Day activities. 

Sincerely,


Jim A. Nicell,
Associate Vice-Principal (University Services) & James McGill Professor