What is the date of the 2026 Event?
The 2026 Great Glebe Garage Sale will be held on Saturday May 23, 2026 (from 8 am to 2 pm).
What’s the connection with The Ottawa Food Bank?
From the start of the Great Glebe Garage Sale in 1986, the Glebe Community Association has encouraged vendors (and shoppers) to voluntarily donate 10% their proceeds to the Ottawa Food Bank.
How do I donate to the Ottawa Food Bank?
There are 3 ways to donate as part of this event:
- Deliver your cash or cheque to the Ottawa Food Bank tent located outside the Bank St. Metro, by 2:00pm.
- Donate online at the GGGS’s dedicated donation page!
- Cheques can also be mailed directly to the Ottawa Food Bank. Please note that the OFB has moved and is no longer operating out of the Michael Street location. The new address is 2001 Bantree Street, Ottawa, ON K1B 4X3. This larger facility will help the OFB better serve the growing need in the community.
How do I register as a vendor or get space to sell my stuff?
If you live or own a business in the Glebe you can sell your stuff from your driveway, porch, lawn or another part of your property – there is no need to register or get permission.
Some community organizations, such as schools and churches rent out spots during the sale. These spots go very quickly, and it is wise to reach out early in the year (February/March) to secure a spot. Be very cautious about renting a spot from anyone – there are lots of on-line scams.
If you plan to use someone else’s property, you need permission. The Glebe Community Association does not match potential sellers and property owners, nor do we facilitate any of the property rentals.
Can I set up a table on the sidewalk in front of my apartment building or in a local park?
No. Vending on public property such as sidewalks, boulevards, roads, and parkland is illegal without a permit and you will be ticketed by Ottawa by-law officers.
Where is the Glebe?
The neighbourhood sale is held in the City of Ottawa in ‘The Glebe’, the neighbourhood bordered by Bronson Avenue, the Queensway (417), and the Canal. You can find out more about the neighbourhood here.
What will happen if it rains?
There is currently no rain date for the sale. However, we will be watching the forecast closely the day before and if there is a high likelihood of severe weather (lightning or strong winds) in the forecast we may recommend postponing or cancelling. If the weather allows the sale to go ahead safely but there is rain in the forecast, vendors are encouraged to plan on using tarps or garages.
Can I donate my stuff to be sold at the Great Glebe Garage Sale?
A number of local organizations and churches accept donated items for sale. For example:
- Once again, Abbottford House is holding a huge fundraising sale and accepted good quality donations of flea market items and jewelry. You can drop donations off at 960 Bank St Mon – Fri 830-430.
- St Matthews Church is also accepting donations for their massive sale. They accept many types of reasonable quality donated goods in good shape that are likely to sell, including smaller items of furniture (like small tables or chairs). Location and contact info for St Matthews can be found here: https://www.stmatthewsottawa.ca/index.php/contact-us
Other Glebe organizations: if you are accepting donations of sale items and want information posted here, email us at gggs@glebeca.ca.
What about food sales?
City of Ottawa food inspectors will be on-site on the day of the sale to inspect all vendors of cooked food. You will be inspected, so please be sure to be ready. If you are planning to sell hamburgers/ hot dogs or other cooked food, it is important to know and comply with the City’s food regulations to make sure you meet the inspectors’ expectations. You’ll need to give the city two weeks notice of your plans (it’s free).
The City’s website Ottawa.ca provides more information about these health-and-safety requirements as well as an on-line application. This link includes more information and information on how to apply.
What rules apply to sales of cooked food (BBQ)?
Baked goods such as muffins, cookies etc. are easy to sell at the GGGS (they must be wrapped or handled with tongs). However, any food requiring cooking on site, especially meat, requires careful planning. For example, if you are planning a BBQ on your property to sell at the GGGS, you must have a rubber mat or painted plywood flooring under the barbecue and a wash station available (perhaps a garden hose and soap) as well as facilities to keep raw food consistently cold. You will also need to apply in advance and pay for a permit from the City (the deadline has passed to apply for a permit).
If you are unable to meet the city’s public health inspector’s requests, you may be asked to discontinue selling food. Check the City of Ottawa’s website at Ottawa.ca to familiarize yourself with the rules and timing.
What about buying and selling plants?
The GGGS can be a great place to buy and sell all kinds of plants including perennials, shrubs, houseplants and even trees for your yard. You can find everything from new plants grown from seed, perennials divided from established plantings, and vegetable seedlings, all grown locally. But whether you’re a gardener preparing your plants for sale, or a shopper looking forward to picking up some perennials, it is important to keep an eye out for invasive species that can sneak their way in. Keep an eye out for and please don’t pass on invasive species like lilly of the valley, dog strangling vine, norway maple and other invasive garden plants listed here: https://ottawa.ca/en/living-ottawa/environment-conservation-and-climate/wildlife-and-plants/plants/invasive-species.
Can I hold a street party?
If you want to have a street party, be sure to follow the application process for a residential block party the on City of Ottawa website here. If you have any questions please e-mail or call Traffic Management at SpecialEventsTraffic@ottawa.ca or 613-580-2424 x28164.
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 (e.g. “Books 50 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.
We have been asked by the City to highlight the importance of keeping your premises safe given the high traffic you might see at your yard/garage/ porch on sale day. Some things they suggest to help minimize risks:
• Clearing yards and private walkways/driveways where the public will be walking is a good precaution to reduce the likelihood of injury or damage. Obstructions on your property such as fallen leaves, tree branches, garden hoses, toys, and uneven surfaces could all pose a tripping hazard. For uneven surfaces, could consider posting a sign.
• Containing pets in an area where they will not be greeting the public to avoid people getting scratched or bitten. Even pets who are well socialized become overwhelmed and anxious with the unusually high volume of people that venture into the Glebe for the Great Garage Sale and could behave unexpectedly.
• It is important to only sell items that are functional and in good condition. Read the Canada.ca – Facts for Garage Sale Vendors. It includes on banned items, those that must meet regulatory requirements, items that could pose a safety hazard, and items like microwaves that must meet requirements under the Radiation Emitting Devices Act. This link to Canada Safety Council – garage-sales-and-yard-sales is also helpful.
What about parking?
Parking is limited in The Glebe at the best of times! The last weekend in May is going to be especially complicated weekend for travel in the neighbourhood with several large events taking place over the weekend and closure of Queen Elizabeth Drive from from Somerset Street to Fifth Avenue to cars. We strongly encourage you to walk, ride your bike or take the bus for best access.
If you must drive, kindly consider parking your car and walk in to the neighbourhood to reduce congestion. Public parking lots in the Glebe can be found at Lansdowne Park, in the City lot at Bank and Third Ave and at the corner of Bank St and Chamberlain Ave.
Are there any designated no parking zones?
For the duration of the event, Fifth Ave (between Percy/O’Connor), and the block around the Community Centre (Second/Third/Lyon) will have “NO PARKING” enforcements to maintain emergency vehicle access routes.
Areas with NO PARKING signs may be augmented to NO STOPPING signs to assist By-Law services with removing any vehicles that are blocking emergency lanes (no current permissible parking zones removed)
Permit Holders in affected areas are allowed to stay, but are strongly encouraged to move elsewhere in the neighbourhood in the name of public safety
Emergency Routes (Saturday from 5a.m. to 3p.m.)
- Bronson Avenue – east and west side – between Powell Avenue and Lakeside Avenue
- O’Connor Street both sides – between Fifth Avenue and Pretoria Avenue
Are there ATM machines nearby?
Yes, at the Royal Bank, Scotia Bank and Kettleman’s Bagel Shop, Shoppers Drug Mart as well as at Lansdowne Park (TD Canada Trust and BMO Bank of Montreal). There is also an ATM at the Loblaws on Isabella and a TD Canada Trust right next door.
However ATMs empty out early, so best to bring cash (including change and small bills) with you.
How can I reduce my environmental impact?
Vendors – please place garbage and recycling cans 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 recycling?
Once the day is over, please be ready to tidy up and to donate and recycle as much as possible. When in doubt, search the City’s of Ottawa’s Waste Explorer tool at Ottawa.ca/WasteExplorer to learn the best place to dispose of your waste.
The Glebe Community Association has also published an updated handy guide to organizations that will take donations of unsold stuff after the sale. You will make a difference to someone in need and keep leftover items out of Ottawa’s landfill site.
What about access to public washrooms?
Public washroom facilities are available at the Glebe Community Centre (Third and Lyon), Glebe St. James United Church (650 Lyon St.), St Giles church at 181 First Ave (near Bank St) and St. Matthew’s church at 217 First Avenue (near Bank St.). In some cases, donations are welcomed.
Rain or shine, buyer or vendor, have fun on May 23rd – 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.