By Chad Klassen

Students still adjusting to parking crunch at TRU, some suggest parkade

Oct 25, 2017 | 11:40 AM

KAMLOOPS — Coming into the new school year, students going to TRU knew about the parking crunch thanks to construction on campus. But nearly two months into the fall semester and some students are still adjusting to the lack of parking spots.

They come early, along with a steady stream of cars wheeling around campus, as everyone tries to find one of the few parking spots left.

“It’s pretty busy in the morning, especially if you get here after eight o’clock. Even now, it’s 8:15 and I’m parked way at the back. I have to run across the campus to get to class for 8:30,” said one student. 

The premium spots closer to classes are gone early, well before 8 a.m. Those spots cost $5 a day versus $4 for spots in Lot N at the back of campus. 

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Cutting carbon emissions can be easy and accessible to Kamloops residents

Oct 30, 2024

Question of the Week

Do you have confidence in the vote-counting carried out by Elections BC?

Oct 28, 2024

Week in Review

Week in Review: Week of Oct. 21

Oct 26, 2024

At 9 a.m. on Wednesday morning, there were still plenty of spaces left. But beyond that, students say good luck. 

“It’s normally not too bad right away in the morning, but come 11:30 you have no chance.”

260 parking stalls have been impacted by construction, including 100 that will be permanently lost due to The Reach project next to old main that will bring 56 units to the newest condo. 

There is no clear timeline, however, on when construction will wrap up. 

“Timeline is still open. We’re at the mercy of other services coming in to make sure we have all the necessary utilities in for all development, including the nursing building and this [Reach] project.”

Some students elect not to fight for spots and park either on city streets or local grocery stores. 

Students understand construction is a big factor in the parking crunch, but some say the university still needs to find another solution, including the idea of a parkade. 

“If they can fit that somewhere, I’d be all for it. Probably help the situation a lot.”