We are looking to convince Carleton University to reconsider their recent decision regarding the access to tunnels this winter at Carleton. The University has decided not to allow students but will remain open to “authorized personnel.”

I understand that the university has somehow deemed the tunnel system as a high risk location for Covid, though I am not sure how the tunnels are any less safe than sitting together in a class room or passing one another in the halls. I am quite frustrated that the tunnels are being made available to certain individuals at the university and not the students for a number of reasons. With temperatures well below freezing, rain and snow, and cold winds for the entirety of Winter semester, I think Carleton might find attendance at a rather low level. I don’t know about you but I am not likely to attend an 8:30am class when I have to walk a kilometre to class in the brutal Canadian winter. Students who live off campus are forced to park at the back corner of campus and trek all the way across in temperatures that can dip into the -30s with the wind. 

I am sure you are aware that Ottawa was deemed one of the coldest capital cities on the planet and I am concerned about preventable environmental injuries like frostbite. The university, though Carleton has stated there will be an increase in snow removal, sits on a hill and is often slippery or unsafe to walk around. The path from the residence area up towards the library is always incredibly slippery and steep. Students may not be able to afford proper winter clothing or may have a disability that may mean walking across campus in the ice and snow could be incredibly dangerous when the infrastructure already exists to prevent these issues. After removing in person classes yet again for a large number of the student population, student satisfaction with the university is low right now. This is a small gesture that Carleton could make to ensure student safety and happiness.