Parking at the University of Calgary is getting a tech upgrade and, somewhere behind the scenes, a new mission is underway.
With the launch of the new Licence Plate Recognition (LPR) program, permits are going digital, and how you park now matters more than ever. Your licence plate becomes your virtual permit, which means vehicles need to be parked nose-in and boot-out so plates are clearly visible for the system to work.
Video Credit: Zach Degerness, Ancillary Services
You've probably seen the LPR cars cruising around campus. With sharp cameras and smart tech, they quietly keep parking running smoothly every day. Now, as the program rolls out, they're stepping into the spotlight, and they need one thing only you can give them: names.
From Jan. 19 to Feb. 16, 2026, the campus community is invited to take part in a naming competition for our LPR cars. The winning names will be displayed on a new front licence plate on each vehicle and announced publicly. The winner or winners will also receive $100 in UCalgary Bookstore in-store credit.
Why name the cars?
These vehicles are about to become part of everyday campus life. Giving them names adds a human touch to a system built on smart technology and efficiency. It's also a fun way to leave your mark on a new chapter of parking at UCalgary.
What makes a great name?
Skip the obvious. There's no need to work in "UCalgary" or "Parking." The best names are short (they will become the licence plate on the cars), memorable and full of personality. Think licence plate, clever, light-hearted or just plain fun.
How to enter
Submit your ideas through the online form between Jan. 19 and Feb. 16, 2026. You'll provide one name for each car along with your contact information. A review panel from Parking and Transportation and Ancillary Services will select the winning pair.
What's next?
As the LPR program continues rolling out across campus, the winning names will make their debut on the cars themselves. Keep an eye out for them and remember, the names on the plates could be yours.
Think it up, send it in and help shape how parking looks and feels at UCalgary.
