Street Sale Safety

REGINA – For some, garage sales are an easy way to get rid of unwanted items. For others, it’s an opportunity to buy something without putting a dent in your wallet.

Light posts and sidewalks advertising garage sales are a great draw for drivers passing by, but the city says there are restrictions.

“As a rule, they shouldn’t put them on public mediums or sidewalks but the bylaw doesn’t enforce it unless we get lots of complaints. Then of course we will go out and remove the signs,” said Darren Steponchev, from the City of Regina.

Steponchev says there are other limitations too – residents can only have up to three garage sales a year.

But whether you’re a bargain hunter or a “junk” thrower, there are safety precautions that should be taken.

“Products we know tend to linger in peoples garages and in basements. They appear at garage sale time and people may not be aware that they’re no longer permitted to be sold,” said Sean Upton, from Health Canada.

Among the items banned in Canada, baby walkers, lawn darts, infant self-feeding devices, top the list. Many of these are either recalled or cannot be used more than once. Garage sales often keep things in circulation, that shouldn’t be.

“It’s not worth risking someone else or health of someone else’s child just to get it out of your garage and maybe get a few dollars for it,” said Upton.

A full list of rules and restrictions on holding a garage sale, and purchasing items at one, is available on Health Canada’s website.