Executive Summary

The UVic Parking Finder project aims to address the ongoing parking challenges faced by students, staff, and faculty at the University of Victoria (UVic). The project is a direct response to user feedback highlighting frustrations related to finding parking spaces during peak times. The current lack of real-time parking information causes unnecessary delays, frustration, and inefficient use of available parking spaces.

This project will develop a user-friendly mobile application that provides real-time updates on parking space availability, integrated navigation to parking spots, and a seamless payment system for parking fees. The key deliverables for this project include a mobile application that provides real-time parking space availability, integrated navigation features, a seamless payment system, and predictive parking analytics powered by AI. Additionally, by using AI technology, the app will predict parking availability based on historical data and current usage patterns, helping to optimize parking flow on campus.

Key stakeholders include UVic students, staff, faculty, and visitors, all of whom will benefit from an easier, more efficient parking experience. The UVic administration will gain valuable insights into parking patterns, helping them to optimize resource allocation.

The project’s primary goals are to improve user satisfaction by reducing time spent searching for parking, improving parking space utilization, and minimizing campus congestion. Major milestones include the completion of a requirements analysis, the development of the user interface, AI integration for predictive parking analytics, and usability testing.

Key risks include data integration challenges, system compatibility issues, and potential delays in development. The total estimated cost for the project, including development, AI integration, system integration, testing, and maintenance, ranges from $300,000 to $400,000. However, a structured project plan and clear communication with stakeholders aim to mitigate these risks. The estimated project costs will include app development, system integration, and ongoing maintenance.

The University of Victoria (UVic) is a leading Canadian post-secondary institution known for its commitment to research, innovation, and sustainability. With a diverse student body, faculty, and staff, UVic strives to create a campus environment that supports academic excellence, environmental responsibility, and community engagement.

As part of its ongoing efforts to improve campus operations, UVic is seeking innovative solutions to enhance campus infrastructure and services. The university is particularly focused on modernizing and streamlining its parking management system to better serve its community. By leveraging real-time data and technology, UVic aims to improve the parking experience for students, staff, faculty, and visitors, ensuring convenience, accessibility, and efficiency across campus.

UVic places a strong emphasis on sustainability and innovation, and is looking for solutions that align with its strategic vision of reducing campus congestion, lowering carbon emissions, and promoting alternative transportation options. The ideal solution will integrate real-time parking availability, digital payment options, and location-based guidance, improving the overall user experience while supporting UVic’s broader environmental and operational goals.