Achi news desk-
Rain barrel sales season started on Saturday morning with a splash.
Green Calgary launched its first of eight rain barrel sales over the weekend in the IKEA parking lot in southeast Calgary Saturday morning, where a long list that started at 8 a.m. left out some closed ones.
According to one would-be keg buyer, the sale was supposed to start at 10 am, but by 8 am, people were already being turned away, except for those who had pre-purchased one for $78 plus GST and delivery.
Green Calgary executive director Lex van der Raadt said the turnout was higher than his organization originally predicted.
“It was extremely busy,” said van der Raadt. “People started lining up at eight, so we counted and then turned people away when we realized there was talk of all the rain barrels.”
People were turned away, he said, to prevent them from getting stuck in a lineup and then not getting a rain barrel.
Two hundred rain barrels were sold on Saturday but van der Raadt said more will be available next Saturday, when the rain barrel auction moves to the Coop in Dalhousie.
“We had predicted that demand would increase by around 50 percent (over 2023),” said van dur Raadt, “but it increased by 200 percent.
“We were a bit surprised,” he added.
“Rain barrels help conserve water by capturing rainwater that would otherwise be lost to runoff,” officials said in a news release.
“By using collected rainwater to water your yard or garden, you are doing your part to help use water wisely, which is especially important when we are experiencing drought conditions.”
While many garden centers offer a variety of different types of rain barrels, Green Calgary rain barrels can also be purchased at Golden Acres.
“Remember, every drop counts when it comes to water conservation. By incorporating a rain barrel into your outdoor routine, you’re not only benefiting your yard but also contributing to a greener, more sustainable Calgary.”
Green Calgary is a local charity that works to help Calgarians recognize their individual impact on the environment and climate.
More details about the organization can be found online.
“It’s good that so many people want to save water,” said van der Raadt.
Here is a list of rain barrel sales happening every weekend (except the May long weekend) through June 22:
- April 27, 10 am to 2 pm, IKEA Calgary (8000 11 St. SE);
- May 4, 10 am to 2 pm, Calgary Co-Op Dalhousie (5505 Shaganappi Tr. NW);
- May 11, 10 am to 2 pm, Calgary Horticultural Society (2725 33 Ave. SW);
- May 25, 10 am to 2 pm, Calgary Co-Op Deer Valley (1221 Canyon Meadows Dr. SE);
- June 1, 10 am to 2 pm, Genesis Center (7555 Falconridge Blvd. NE);
- June 8, 10 am to 2 pm, Calgary Co-Op West Springs (917 85 St. SW);
- June 15, 10 am to 2 pm, Inglewood Community Garden (2297 17 St. SE); a
- June 22, 10 am to 2 pm, Community Natural Foods Chinook (202 61 Ave. SW).
With files from CTV’s Michael Franklin from Calgary
