Main Campus Grounds

University of Calgary Grounds

The Facilities grounds team is responsible for managing the physical assets and natural resources of the campus in a cost effective, sustainable and efficient manner to ensure that the exterior environment is aesthetically pleasing, safe, and accessible during inclement weather for students, staff, faculty, and visitors.

Regular business hours for grounds staff are Monday-Friday 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. Seasonal demands during the winter season may require shift alterations.


Landscape Care

Landscape

Our campus landscape is an important part of the university experience. A dedicated team of professional grounds staff and contractors work throughout the year to maintain a healthy campus landscape. There are thousands of trees and shrubs on campus and over 50 species; each tree is recorded and tracked by the grounds department.

Pruning and Trimming
Pruning usually takes place in late winter/early spring to promote healthy growth.

Plant and Lawn Care
Herbaceous, flower and woody plant care, and the maintenance of lawns to contribute to the well-being of our community. When necessary, vegetation may be removed due to disease or safety issues.

Irrigation, Turf Maintenance and Underground Utilities Care
The grounds team care for any required irrigation to landscapes during periods of inadequate rainfall; maintain storm, sewer, water and other utilities located underground; and work to care for turf areas used for sports fields and parks.


Snow and Ice Removal

Winter campus

Facilities’ winter safety work on University of Calgary campuses’ roads and walkways operates from November to March.

Primary Walkways
Grounds work to clear ice and snow from primary walkways by 8:30 a.m. Primary areas include wheel chair ramps, handicap parking spots, building entrances, fire hydrant access points and fire exits.

Frequently Used Walkways
Frequently used walkways are cleared as soon as possible after primary areas. The university LRT Station stairs are cleared by Calgary Transit — snow removal requests for LRT stations can be directed to Calgary City services at 311.

Practice Safe Winter Walking
Crews do their best to clear snow and ice as quickly as possible, but remember to stay safe by practicing Safe Winter Walking.


Exterior Maintenance and Outdoor Space Coordination

Tree Planting

The grounds team makes sure our campus stays beautiful, safe and accessible through exterior maintenance and repair, and outdoor space use coordination.

Campus Cleanliness
Crews work on outdoor waste collection, hard surface cleaning and graffiti removal.
 

Did you know?

Tree and shrub cutting

Tree and shrub cuttings are either composted or turned into mulch. The mulch is then used for ground cover to help retain moisture and restrict weed growth under trees and in flowerbeds.

Landscaping work

During the summer, dozens of UCalgary students are employed with the grounds department for landscaping work.

To report a grounds issue, submit a service request.