Safe Trade Zones

Carleton University’s Safe Trade Zones are designated public locations designed to support safer in-person exchanges related to online marketplaces, classified websites, and other personal sales.

Located in well-lit, highly visible areas equipped with video surveillance, Safe Trade Zones provide a safer alternative to private residences, secluded parking lots, or other isolated meeting places.

Stay Safe

Your safety is the most important consideration when buying, selling, or exchanging items.

Before meeting someone for a transaction, consider the following safety tips:

• Meet in a public place, preferably a designated Safe Trade Zone.
• Bring a friend whenever possible.
• Conduct transactions during daylight hours.
• Be cautious of last-minute location changes and consider them a potential red flag.
• Avoid meeting at private residences or in isolated locations.
• Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
• Review a buyer’s or seller’s online profile and account history when available.
• Keep records of usernames, phone numbers, emails, and conversations related to the transaction.
• If purchasing an item with a serial number, consider verifying it through the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) to determine whether it has been reported stolen.

How Safe Trade Zones Support Safety

The designated locations were selected because of their existing safety infrastructure, including:

• High public visibility
• Continuous video surveillance
• Carleton University’s Automatic Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) system
• High-traffic campus locations

These features help deter criminal activity, discourage the exchange of stolen or misrepresented goods, and promote safer interactions between individuals meeting for the first time.

Important Information

Safe Trade Zones are intended to provide a safer meeting location only.

Campus Safety Services:

• Does not oversee or participate in transactions
• Does not act as a witness, moderator, or mediator
• Does not verify goods, serial numbers, or model numbers
• Assumes no liability for transactions conducted within the designated areas

Any incidents occurring within a Safe Trade Zone should be reported through normal reporting procedures. Surveillance footage may be reviewed by investigative agencies when required.

Safe Trade Zone Locations

Pigiarvik Building

Secondary lobby adjacent to Campus Safety Services. Vehicles may also use the loading zone directly outside the building for transactions lasting up to five minutes.