Dalhousie confirms new address format

Consider it signed, sealed and delivered: Dalhousie has its new mailing address format ready to go.

As first reported in March, Canada Post has assigned Dalhousie a new, common postal code for all university mail. This ensures Dalhousie complies with Canada Post policy requiring that mail for universities and other large institutions be delivered to a single address.

However, responding to feedback from the university community, Dalhousie has worked out a solution with Canada Post that will allow departments and units to keep their civic address as part of their mailing information—rather than the mailing room’s street address—thanks to a new PO Box number.

The new address format will be as follows:

(Name)*               
Your department or unit  Dalhousie University
Civic or street address
PO BOX 15000                
Halifax, NS  B3H 4R2

*Note: While the recipient's name can be placed anywhere above the PO Box for domestic mail and still be received, it is advisable to place it after the department and university name for international shipping to avoid issues with customs.

“When we were assigned the single postal code, we heard from many here at Dal about how a shared mailing address for the entire campus could be confusing: for visitors, for couriers and for our own community,” explains Darrell Boutilier, director of operations for Facilities Management.

“This PO Box means that departments don’t need separate civic and mailing information on their websites, publications or stationery. It’s all in one address, which will keep things simpler for everyone involved.”

Canada Post has also granted Dalhousie a one-year period during which mail with previous addresses and postal codes will continue to be delivered. This will allow departments and units to use up stationery or other printed material that contains old address information.

That said, the new postal code is active now and can be used right away. Facilities Management notes that the new address must be followed in the order above to ensure that it can be read properly by Canada Post’s mail sorting machines.

Those responsible for managing university websites should update web pages with the new address information as soon as possible. As for printed stationary, it should be replaced when it is practical to do so by contacting Creative Services at design.services@dal.ca or 494-3636.

“We’re thankful for the university community’s patience on this issue,” says Mr. Boutilier. “The requirement for a single postal code came suddenly, but even if it took us a bit more time to sort it all out, we believe we’ve come to the ideal solution for everyone involved.”

Those with further questions about the postal code can contact Mike Wilkinson with Facilities Management at m.wilkinson@dal.ca.