Calgarians are preparing for potential water restrictions this summer, and the city is experiencing a shortage of rain barrels. On Saturday morning, people lined up at a Green Calgary rain barrel sale in the Dalhousie Co-op parking lot, with some arriving as early as 6 a.m. despite the sale starting at 10 a.m. The high demand left many disappointed, as they went home empty-handed and were added to a waiting list. “With the forecast for a drought and very little rain this summer, I thought I’ll do what I can and come get a rain barrel, but I was too late,” said Calgary resident Rowena Campbell, who is now on the waiting list. Lex van der Raadt, executive director of Green Calgary, stated that the demand for rain barrels this year is unprecedented. “We anticipated an increase in demand, but not to this extent,” he said. Green Calgary plans to hold additional sales in May and has partnered with the City of Calgary to order barrels from Ontario for the first time. “Ours need to be constructed so we do that throughout April, May, and June,” van der Raadt explained. “The city is helping us get extra raw product to construct them.” Green Calgary’s rain barrels are upcycled from food products. On Saturday, some people brought in their old rain barrels for repair. “I don’t want to throw this in the landfill,” said Doug Borras, who had his 30-year-old rain barrel fixed. Dirk Struck, Calgary’s “barrel man,” has been converting food-grade barrels into rain barrels for 25 years specifically suited for the prairie climate. He emphasized the significance of water conservation and the benefits of rainwater. Green Calgary aims to ensure that everyone who wants a rain barrel this year will have one. “The city of Calgary is really dedicated to trying to make sure everyone who wants a barrel will get one by the end of June,” van der Raadt said.
Calgary’s Rain Barrel Shortage Amidst Anticipated Water Restrictions
