2024 Community Garage Sale
Thank you to everyone who participated in 2024
Look for details about the 2025 event in the spring
Garage Sale FAQs
How does the Garage Sale work?
You host it in your own garage or driveway and register the location on the MVCA web site by the deadline. MVCA will compile a list of locations with a map and publish it the day before the event and promote it through social media.
What happens if it rains?
If it is significant rain, the sale will take place the following day. All registrants will be contacted directly if this happens. We will use social media and our website as well to notify shoppers.
What are some tips for a successful garage sale?
There will be early birds, so set up early! Price all your items. Display items on tables or in boxes according to type and/or price. For example, have all books in one location with sign with the 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 purchaser can pick it up.
Are there any other regulations regarding the items I sell?
Health Canada has posted information for garage sale vendors on their Consumer Product Safety website. Everyone holding a garage sale is legally responsible for ensuring that products being sold, whether new or used, are safe and meet current regulatory requirements. It is important to only sell items that are in good condition. Damaged articles should be discarded. You can find more information here.
What if I don’t have enough goods for a full sale? Is there somewhere that I could drop stuff off?
You could partner with one of your neighbours.
Are there ATM machines nearby?
Yes, at CIBC in the Manotick Mews, RBC at Bridge Street and Main Street and TD Canada Trust at Bridge Street and River Road.
Can I sell food?
City of Ottawa food inspectors may be on-site on the day of the sale to inspect all vendors of cooked food. 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. See http://ottawa.ca/en/business/permits-business-licences-and-applications/health-and-safety for more information. Here is the link to the Application Form for Food Service at a Special Event.
If you have any questions about selling food you can contact healthsante@ottawa.ca
What rules apply to sales of cooked food (BBQ)?
Baked goods such as muffins, cookies etc. are easy to sell as the only requirement is that they must be wrapped. However, any food requiring cooking, especially meat, requires careful planning. For example, if you are planning a BBQ on your property to sell at the Garage Sale, 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.
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.