City introduces new COVID-19 measures and initiatives with spring in mind
April 22, 2020

With spring temperatures arriving, the City of Edmonton is putting measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to encourage Edmontonians to find new ways to take advantage of the warmer weather. 

As the City of Edmonton renews the state of local emergency for another seven days and introduces new restrictions, we are also announcing an expanded community garden program.  

"The COVID-19 pandemic is changing the way Edmontonians traditionally experience spring. While some activities are no longer possible, others are encouraged, like the expanded Community Garden Program,” said Interim City Manager Adam Laughlin. "During these challenging times, and especially today on Earth Day, growing a garden is a practical, tangible action of community building.”  

Expanded Community Garden Program 
Community Gardens will continue to operate in the 2020 season, with the requirement that individuals adhere to the City’s updated COVID-19 specific Community Garden guidelines as well as all Alberta Health Services requirements. The City will also support temporary community gardens on public land and encourage people to grow vegetables on their own property, including front lawns and balconies.

Capital City Clean Up Litter Kits
The City of Edmonton is making Capital City Clean Up Litter Kits available to citizens through their local community leagues. Collecting litter is a great way to get outside, while still practising the measures put in place by Alberta Health Services to stop the spread of COVID-19.

People can request a kit through their local community league starting next week. Each kit includes a safety guide, litter grabber, pair of gloves, and a small and large garbage bag.

Garage Sales Not Permitted 
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all garage sales, regardless of duration, will not be permitted this summer in Edmonton to help limit gatherings of over 15 people, meet physical distancing requirements, and align with the general closure of non-essential businesses. Any person found to be operating a garage sale during this time will receive a warning and are subject to a fine of $488 per day, up to a maximum of $10,000 per offence.

Citizens who need to sell or give away items are asked to create ‘online garage sales’ through buy-and-sell websites or social media platforms, and coordinate contactless sales and pick-ups.
For more information:

Media contact:  
Communications Advisor
Communications and Engagement
780-999-9428

After hours media line:
780-423-5956