Pedestrian Friendly Campus Core

As part of McMaster’s efforts to create a pedestrian-friendly zone in the heart of campus, two sets of gates have been installed, west of Hamilton Hall and at the intersection of University Avenue and Sterling Street.

These gates will make the area safer for students, faculty and staff by reducing traffic and stopping unauthorized vehicles from travelling through this section of campus.

Map of approved university vehicle driving routes

Learn More

Adding pedestrian-friendly spaces to campus

Developing a pedestrian-friendly zone aligns with the Campus Plan’s goal of fostering spaces that emphasize walking, biking and other active transportation modes.

This initiative also follows recommendations from a pedestrian safety working group, which responded to the university’s Central Joint Health and Safety Committee request in October 2023 to enhance pedestrian safety on campus.

University vehicle access

The gates will be monitored by Campus Security Services and Parking Services to ensure timely access for emergency vehicles, paratransit services and accessible parking users.

Vendors and other vehicles that require access can schedule access through their primary McMaster contact. Other vehicles, including golf carts, will need to use alternative routes through campus.

Please note however, that even vehicles with access to the space should use alternate routes whenever possible and exercise great caution when driving in the area, as pedestrians will no longer be expecting traffic.

Frequently Asked Questions

The new gates are part of McMaster’s efforts to create a pedestrian-friendly zone in the heart of campus. They will reduce traffic and stop unauthorized vehicles, making the area safer for students, faculty, and staff. 

The gates have been installed west of Hamilton Hall and at the intersection of University Avenue and Sterling Street. 

The section of campus enclosed by the gates is indicated in the yellow/blue hashed section on the campus map. 

The initiative follows recommendations from a pedestrian safety working group, which responded to a request from the university’s Central Joint Health and Safety Committee in October 2023 to enhance pedestrian safety on campus. 

The gates are monitored via camera by Campus Security Services and Parking Services. There are no call buttons at the gates.

For External Contractors and Vendors

Subject: Important Update: New Gates Installation on McMaster’s Campus 

Dear Contractors and Vendors, 

We are writing to inform you about the installation of new gates on the McMaster University campus as part of our ongoing efforts to create a more pedestrian-friendly environment.  

The section of campus enclosed by the gates is indicated in the yellow/blue hashed section on the campus map. You will notice the gates west of Hamilton Hall and at intersection of University Avenue and Sterling Street  

If you require access to this section of campus, it must be pre-arranged through your primary McMaster contact. While the gates are monitored via camera by Campus Security Services and Parking Services, there are no call buttons. 

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we implement these changes to enhance the safety and well-being of our campus community. 

Kind regards, 

NAME 

Vendors must request access through their primary McMaster contact in advance, and then inform Parking Services/Security Services of the date that access is needed. It is also helpful to know approximately what time of day access will be required (morning, afternoon or night). Email parking@mcmaster.ca to inform Parking Services of your expected arrival date and time. 

The gate will not raise automatically. Someone in Security or Parking Services will be watching the gate camera, and will “manually” raise the gate when they see the expected vendor. This is why it is helpful to know the time of day to expect vendor arrival.  

During regular operating hours, you can call Parking Services at (905) 525 9140 Ext. 24232. During off hours, you can contact Security Services at (905) 525-9140 ext. 2481 if the gate does not raise upon arrival.