CSL hopes to minimize the bother at May 27 mega-garage sale event

BY MARTIN C. BARRY

In an effort to minimize hassles often associated with garage sales — like advertising and having a good location — the City of Côte St. Luc plans to hold its first annual community garage sale event, allowing condo dwellers and tenants to partake in a tradition enjoyed until now mostly by home owners.

Slated to be held on Sunday, May 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Pierre Elliott Trudeau Park's Confederation Annex Building, the covered space will assure that the garage sale takes place rain or shine, while providing 75 spots for sellers. "We're doing this for the first time this year because it was felt that a lot of times apartment dwellers and condo dwellers are left out of being able to hold garage sales," said Louise Ferland, a section manager with the Côte St. Luc Parks and Recreation Department. "We know that many communities in the States and other communities in Quebec and in Ontario hold a mega-community garage sale," she added. "So we're trying it here in Côte St. Luc for the first time." "I encourage all citizens to come out to this event," said Councillor Steven Erdelyi, who is responsible for special events. "It's geared towards both residents who live in apartment buildings and high-rises or seniors residences, as well as people who want to have a garage sale but don't want to do it on their own property."

Ferland said the committee organizing the event, which includes herself, facilities director Harold Cammy, installations manager Ray Valiquette, and sports manager Alvin Fishman, decided to hold the event so that all residents would have a chance to take part in a garage sale. "Everyone will get ample opportunity," she said, noting that registration will be open at first only to Côte St. Luc residents, following which those from surrounding communities will also be able to rent spaces.

Registration is taking place weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. from April 23 to 27 for residents, and April 30 to May 11 for non-residents, at the Samuel Moskovitch Arena. The cost (tax included) of renting a space will be $15 for residents and $20 for non-residents.

Ferland added that participants will be permitted to bring their own table with a chair, to display wares while resting. Tables and chairs will also be available on a rental basis. For anyone with larger items for sale, such as furniture or televisions, an area will be specifically set up inside the annex building.

While the City hopes to draw many residents who might otherwise not get the chance to take participate in a garage sale, Ferland said homeowners are also welcome. "If they don't want to hold one of their own, we're doing a lot of the publicity ourselves, so they could benefit from that." • The City reserves the right to assign spaces. A maximum of two spaces will be allowed per address. Payment for registration can be by Visa, MasterCard or cash. Additional information can be obtained by calling 514-485-6802.