ºìÁ«ÉçÇø is accelerating its efforts to create more sustainable and connected campuses, thanks to a major boost in funding for active transportation. This summer, nearly $50,000 from the Region of Peel will power new programming at , will improve walking and cycling infrastructure at ºìÁ«ÉçÇø’s Davis Campus in Brampton. 

These upgrades underscore ºìÁ«ÉçÇø’s commitment to making campuses safer, more accessible and future-ready for students, employees and visitors alike.

“The investments from the Region of Peel and the Government of Canada demonstrate the importance of making our campuses safe, accessible and future-focused — for our students, our employees and our visitors to campus,” said Alison Horton, Vice President, Administrative and Financial Services, ºìÁ«ÉçÇø College. “Investing in sustainable infrastructure is part of ºìÁ«ÉçÇø’s commitment to building sustainable campuses and being a leader in promoting active transportation.” 

The Region of Peel’s investment will strengthen Bike Hub programming primarily at ºìÁ«ÉçÇø’s Davis and HMC campuses, while supporting cycling engagement at all three campuses. Meanwhile, the combined investment from ºìÁ«ÉçÇø and the Government of Canada will enhance infrastructure at Davis Campus by adding dedicated cycling paths and improving bike storage facilities. 

“The Region of Peel's Sustainable Transportation Strategy aims to achieve a 50% sustainable mode share by 2041,” said Erica Duque, Transportation Demand Management Analyst, Transportation Operations in Peel Region. “One of our strategies to achieve this is to work with community partners to build local capacity, community interest, and provide bike-specific tools (bike rentals, bike repair training) to our residents. Working with ºìÁ«ÉçÇø to launch the Bike Hubs in both their Mississauga and Brampton campuses helps to facilitate access for Peel residents to sustainable transportation options, allowing the Region to better achieve its sustainability goals. Interest in the Bike Hubs continues to grow and Peel appreciates the work ºìÁ«ÉçÇø is doing to serve the community's cycling needs." 

Funding fueling access and growth

The new funding for the Bike Hubs supports the hiring of two-part time mechanics, doubling the Hub’s operational hours from last year. It will also help subsidize services such as bike repairs, rentals and purchases for students with financial need, and support the annual Tour de ºìÁ«ÉçÇø cycling event and volunteers.  

“There’s a real need for knowledge, access and space to learn. The Bike Hub is here to provide just that — helping people ride safely, save money, and build community one pedal at a time.”

– Vicki Tran, Cycling and Sustainable Transportation Officer

“The users of the Bike Hub programs have shown immense appreciation for the support they’ve received, including cycling safety education, consultation on bike purchases, renting bikes, DIY repairs and more,” said Vicki Tran, Cycling and Sustainable Transportation Officer at ºìÁ«ÉçÇø. “Offering a safe space to learn more about options to get around the city is beneficial to all. We can teach people rules and etiquette when using different active transportation infrastructure.” 

History of support 

The initial partnership from the Region in 2017 supported cycling events, infrastructure such as bike racks and campaigns encouraging active transportation, public transit and carpooling. By 2019, dedicated bike shops and rental programs were built on campus, and additional cycling support was offered to students and staff. Since then, the funding has also supported long-lasting behavioural changes, demonstrating the benefits of staying active, connecting with the community, and boosting self-reliance and self-confidence on a bike. 

READ MORE: ºìÁ«ÉçÇø bike hub shifts on-campus sustainability into high gear 

“The ºìÁ«ÉçÇø Bike Hub has been so valuable to me,” said student Bassem Zaklama (General Business, first year). “It helped me develop bike repair and customer service skills, connect with great people and deepen my understanding of sustainable practices. It shows itself as a great example of sustainability by making cycling and bike repairs more accessible, empowering students with self-reliant repair skills and fostering a welcoming community.” 

Creating active transportation alternatives

Tran says it's important that we understand how people are moving to and from campus to form a larger picture of how we can create transportation alternatives that better our communities. 

“We are starting to see the shift to be more inclusive now, and we need to continue that work if we want to see less congestion on the roads,” says Vicki Tran. “If we want more freedom of mobility and fostering of human connections, then we need to have viable alternatives.” 

READ MORE: Cycling enthusiasts join forces for Tour de ºìÁ«ÉçÇø 

Events like the Tour de ºìÁ«ÉçÇø, which celebrated its eighth year this past July, are key to promoting sustainable travel. This year’s ride brought together 23 cyclists from each ºìÁ«ÉçÇø campus, who rode various distances to Lake Aquitaine Park in Mississauga to connect over refreshments and shared values.   

Looking ahead, the Bike Hub aims to become financially self-sufficient and expand its programming particularly in Brampton, where access to bike shops is limited. Tran envisions more community workshops and repair services that help people gain confidence and comfort on their bikes in a supportive environment.  

“There’s a real need for knowledge, access and space to learn,” she says. “The Bike Hub is here to provide just that—helping people ride safely, save money, and build community one pedal at a time.” 

READ MORE: Repairs, rentals and community-building at the ºìÁ«ÉçÇø Bike Hub

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Photo, top left: Tour de ºìÁ«ÉçÇø cyclists from all three ºìÁ«ÉçÇø campuses gather at Lake Aquitaine in Mississauga in a celebration of cycling.

Photo, bottom right: The Tour de ºìÁ«ÉçÇø cyclists who began their ride at the HMC Campus Bike Hub.