2010 Great Glebe Garage Sale FAQ

What is the Great Glebe Garage Sale?

It is a community event organized by the Glebe Community Association since 1986. 2010 is the 25th anniversary of the Sale!! 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 43,000 persons a month use their local food bank? In 2009, the Sale generated just over $11,000 in donations - we'd like to exceed this total this year to help meet increasing needs in the broader community.

What is the date this year?

The sale is always the fourth Saturday in May; this year the sale takes place on
Saturday May 29th, 2010 and runs from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

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.
Directions and a map can be found here...

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. Anyone selling food (except for baked goods) must have a permit from the City of Ottawa- for more information, contact the Public Health Department at http://www.ottawa.ca/residents/health/about/contact_us_en.html
Commercial food vendors must contact:http://ottawa.ca/business/licences/business_licencing_en.html

Where can I get a table or space?

Tables are rented by local schools and churches and at the Glebe Community Centre. Contact information will be available in mid-March. Rental prices usually range from $30-$40 for the day.

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 and you can return with a vehicle to pick up your treasure.

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. 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, Strathcona 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), Glebe St. James United Church (650 Lyon St.) and St. Matthew's church at 217 First Avenue (near Bank St.) may also be open to the public.

How do I donate to the Ottawa Food Bank?

You can go directly to The Ottawa Food Bank website and make an on-line donation at: www.theottawafoodbank.ca.
or send your donation to:
The Ottawa Food Bank
1317B Michael Street
Ottawa, ON K1B 3M9
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 your donation to their booth at the Glebe Community Centre (Lyon Street lawn). Patrick McGahern Books at 783 Bank Street will also be accepting donations on behalf of The Food Bank (cash or cheques).

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. For more info contact GGGS@glebeca.ca.

Rain or shine, buyer or vendor, have fun on May 29th - and don't forget to share your luck with the The Ottawa Food Bank.

If you have any questions that have not been addressed in this FAQ, please send an email to GGGS@glebeca.ca.

Janet Sutherland
Liason for the Great Glebe Garage Sale
The Glebe Community Association