CBU increased parking fees as of September 2026 to help move toward a more sustainable cost-recovery model while continuing to provide affordable parking options.
Parking
Parking at Cape Breton University
Cape Breton University offers a variety of parking options for students, employees and visitors.
Parking is monitored and enforced Monday-Friday, 7:00am-5:00pm. Outside of these hours, parking is free, with the exception of reserved parking spaces.
Parking Rates Currently:
- Daily – $1
- Term – $50
Parking Rates as of September 1, 2026:
- Daily – $3 per day
- Term – $67 per term
Free Parking Options
CBU continues to provide limited free parking for employees with a valid pass (MacDonald Residence), available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Parking Enforcement
As of September 1, 2026, parking regulations are in effect Monday through Friday, from 8:00am-5:00pm. Vehicles parked in violation of posted regulations may be subject to enforcement measures, including ticketing or towing as required.
CBU Security Services maintains the University’s parking areas. In order to meet the varied needs of our students, faculty, staff and visitors, parking is by permit only. Each vehicle must clearly display a valid parking pass or enter their license plate number into one of the daily parking kiosks (these do not require a ticket to be placed in the vehicle). Security personnel monitor our parking areas to ensure vehicles are parking in the proper, designated areas and are authorized by the Cape Breton Regional Municipality to issue parking violation tickets.
Parking Permits
The University provides a variety of parking areas with different designations and types of passes available for parking in these areas as follows:
Daily:
$3 Parking Permit. Valid for the date the license plate number is entered into the parking kisok. Daily permits may be purchased from any of the kiosks located near parking areas or inside the Campus Centre (CC) or Campus Expansion (CE).
Term:
Term Parking Permits must be clearly displayed inside the vehicle and are valid for the academic term shown on the permit (i.e., Sept 1-Dec 31, Jan 1-Apr 30, May 1-Aug 31).
Annual:
Staff wishing to use payroll deductions for their parking fees may purchase an annual parking pass from Security Services. These passes cost $200 +HST per year.
Staff Pass:
Staff passes are available from Security Services for parking in designated areas around MacDonald Residence. These passes are not valid in any other location at any time.
Accessible Parking:
A limited number of space are designated for vehicles clearly displaying a Province of Nova Scotia Accessible Parking Identification Permit, as well as a valid CBU Parking Permit.
Electrical Vehicle Charging:
EV charging is available on campus behind the Sullivan Fieldhouse/Nancy Dingwall Health and Counselling Centre. Parking permit rules are still in effect for these spaces.
Conditions:
Permits issued under certain terms and conditions. Valid as pre-paid parking of one vehicle during period specified by permit, subject to the availability of space. Permits must be clearly displayed inside your vehicle, unless it is a daily parking permit.
Parking Restrictions:
Parking regulations are enforced year-round. Parking violations carry a penalty of $25 for first offence of unauthorized parking ($61.60 if unpaid within 60 days). Enforcement of all CBU parking regulations is under the authority of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
No Parking Areas:
No parking is permitted by any vehicles on roadways, clearly marked “No Parking” areas or in fire lanes.
Parking FAQs
These FAQs were last updated on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
There are a limited number of free employee parking spots available in MacDonald Residence, by permit only.
Yes. Parking at CBU is free outside of core operating hours (Monday-Friday 7:00am-5:00pm). Please note, reserved parking spaces are still reserved during these hours.
For individuals who regularly park on campus, term or annual parking passes provide the most cost-effective option.
Yes. Consistent enforcement helps ensure fairness and availability for those who have paid for parking or are using designated parking areas appropriately.
Yes, residence students who park a vehicle on campus will be subject to the same parking requirements as other campus users.
Even after the increases, CBU’s parking rates remain among the lowest at Nova Scotia universities.
No. The goal of these changes is to move toward a cost-recovery model that supports the ongoing operation and maintenance of campus parking infrastructure.
No. We will have more information on how assignment of reserved spots will happen over the summer. Please contact security@cbu.ca with any questions.