Each year for nearly two decades, thousands of people have flocked
to the Glebe for the annual Great Glebe Garage Sale. This year's event
is on Saturday, May 24, 2008 from 9:00am to 3:00pm.
About the Great Glebe Garage Sale
When: The Great Glebe Garage Sale is coming up
on Saturday, May 24, 2008 from 9:00am - 3:00pm. (While 9:00am is the
"official" start time, sellers and buyers are usually out
much earlier.)
Buyers: Given the huge popularity of this event,
with people even coming from out of town, safety can be a concern.
The Ottawa Police have observed that some streets become so congested
that emergency vehicles cannot get through. Please help keep our streets
safe by walking or biking rather than driving around, and asking your
friends to do the same.
Bring cash: ATM machines empty out early, so bring
cash to avoid disappointment.
Sellers: All participants are asked to donate 10%
of proceeds to the Ottawa
Food Bank. On the day of the sale, Food Bank representatives will
drop off contribution envelopes to all participants.
Rain date: The Great Glebe Garage Sale goes rain
or shine.
Info: Please email any question or comments regarding
the Great Glebe Garage Sale to GGGS@glebeca.ca.
What is the Great Glebe Garage Sale?
It is a community event organized by the Glebe Community Association
since 1986. Homeowners in the Glebe are the primary vendors working
on their front lawns, driveways and porches. Collectively they make
one giant sale that has become an annual community festival attracting
thousands of people to the neighbourhood.
What’s the connection with The Ottawa Food Bank? From the very beginning, the Glebe Community Association
has encouraged vendors (and shoppers) to donate some of their proceeds
to this important community service. As a registered charitable organization,
The Ottawa Food Bank will issue tax receipts for donations of any
size. Did you know that 40,000 persons a month use their local food
bank?! Last year the Sale generated $8,200 in donations – we’d
like to do exceed this total this year!
What will happen if it rains? The sale will continue rain or shine! There is no rain date
for the sale. Vendors are encouraged to plan on using tarps or garages
if there is rain in the forecast.
Where is the Glebe? The Sale is held in the city of Ottawa in ‘the Glebe’,
the neighbourhood bordered by Bronson Avenue, the Queensway (417),
and the Canal. A number 1 or 7 OCTRANSPO bus going south on Bank Street
will take you into the heart of the Glebe.
How do I register as a vendor? There is no official registration, however there are restrictions
as to where you can set up your sale.
Can I set up a table on the sidewalk in front of my apartment
building or in a local park?
Absolutely NOT! Vending on public property such as sidewalks, boulevards,
roads, and parkland is illegal without a permit and you may be ticketed
by Ottawa by-law officers.
What are some tips for a successful garage
sale?
Set up early so that you are prepared for those early birds! Price
all your items, either individually or in groups (eg. books 25 cents).
Display items on tables or in boxes according to type and/or price.
Have a cash box or change apron with lots of coins for change. In
the case of large items that can’t be carried away, an impromptu
sales receipt can be drawn up with a deposit and an exchange of telephone
numbers to hold the item until the traffic has dwindled.
What about parking? Parking is limited at the best of times! We encourage you
to walk, ride your bike or take the bus for best access. If you must
drive, kindly park your car and walk in the neighbourhood rather than
cruising in your car to reduce congestion. The amount of pedestrian
traffic makes driving dangerous for everyone. Corpus Christie School
and Mutchmor Public School (both at Fourth Avenue and Lyon Street)
are selling additional parking space. Parking will also be available
at Landsdowne Park. If you’re a Glebe resident, try to park
your vehicle off the street to make room for the many visitors we
expect again this year.
Are there any designated no parking zones? All the usual parking rules are in effect. Please check the
posting of parking signs and insure that you are not blocking a fire
hydrant or driveway. To ensure emergency routes stay clear, the following
streets will be marked as tow-away zones: Fifth Avenue (from Bank
to O’Connor), O’Connor, Monkland and Metcalfe. Parking
enforcement will also concentrate on no stopping zones and double
parking.
Are there ATM machines nearby? Yes. However they empty out early, so remember to bring cash
with you.
How can I reduce my environmental impact?
Vendors - please place a garbage can by the curb for litter. With
the large crowds this event attracts, there can be a large amount
of litter produced. At the end of the day, clean up around your property
and ensure you don’t leave debris on the street. Shoppers -
please hold on to your litter until you see a garbage can and then
stash the trash.
What about access to public washrooms? There are public washroom facilities available on the second
level of Fifth Avenue Court (Fifth and Bank Street). The Glebe Community
Centre (Third and Lyon) and St. Matthew’s church at 217 First
Avenue (near Bank St.) will also be open to the public.
How do I donate to the Ottawa Food Bank? On the day of the sale, Ottawa Food Bank volunteers are in
the area with a vendor kit that provides sale information and a form
for making donations to the Ottawa Food Bank. You can also drop off
a cheque to the Glebe Community Centre up until Tuesday May 29th.
Patrick McGahern Books at 783 Bank Street will also be accepting donations
on the day of the sale. You can go directly to The Ottawa Food Bank
website and make an on-line donation at: www.theottawafoodbank.ca,
or access a donation card at: www.glebeca.ca.
Send your donation to:
The Ottawa Food Bank
1317B Michael Street
Ottawa, ON K1B 3M9
Are there other ways to help out? Yes! The Ottawa Food Bank would appreciate volunteers to
help distribute information on the day of the sale. The GCA Environment
Committee will be organizing a clean-up of Bank Street the next day
and would love your participation. For more info contact GGGS@glebeca.ca.
