Barrel YYC: Rain Barrels and Accessories
Building water-resilient communities.
BARREL YYC 2026
Rain Barrels Are Back Starting April 1st
- Households are limited to a maximum of three $50 rain barrel rebates.
- Applications will close when all rebates are claimed.
How to Purchase
Green Calgary Eco Store (Online): Rain barrels will be available for pre-order at shop.greencalgary.org starting April 1st at 9AM MST. We do not offer delivery. Our rain barrels are pick up only. Upon check out, you can choose the specific sale event date and location to pick up your barrel.
Green Calgary Rain Barrel Sales Events (In-Person): Rain barrel sales event dates and locations will be announced soon. Limited number of barrels will be available for on-site purchase at each sales event.
Golden Acre Home & Garden: Purchase Green Calgary rain barrels at Golden Acre Home and Garden on an ongoing basis, starting April 1st, 2026.
GREEN CALGARY RAIN BARRELS AT GOLDEN ACRE HOME AND GARDEN
COMING SOON
Did you know that water use increases by up to 40% every spring and summer?
Water conservation is essential to a healthy community. Alberta is the driest province in Canada, and Calgary faces increasing drought conditions due to climate change and growing water demand. With limited freshwater resources and a heavy reliance on the Bow and Elbow Rivers, our city must take proactive steps to conserve water and protect our watershed for future generations
Rain barrels are a simple and effective way to reduce water waste and ease pressure on Calgary’s water systems. Green Calgary’s Barrel YYC program provides affordable, repurposed rain barrels that allow Calgarians to collect and store rainwater for outdoor use.
One rain barrel can capture over 3400 litres of water a year! With our barrels lasting over 15 years, using a rain barrel contributes significantly to a more water-resilient Calgary.
FAQ RAIN BARRELS 2026
Water Conservation: Reduces reliance on treated city water for outdoor watering. This is especially helpful during periods of outdoor water restrictions.
Cost Savings: Lowers your water bill by using free rainwater.
Healthy Gardens: Rainwater is free of chlorine and chemicals, making it better for plants.
Waste Reduction: Barrels are repurposed from food-grade containers, diverting plastic from landfills.
Protection from flooding: It protects your property from localized flooding.
Barrels are $125 + GST Use alone or link as many together as you want with a hose kit! Each barrel will hold a maximum of 45 imperial gallons (208L) and comes in white, with a brass spigot, a 4” screened opening on the top and 2-1.25” side openings with plug/adaptor fittings.
Hose Kits are $15.50 + GST For use with our rain barrel as overflow or to link multiple barrels together. Recommended with any new rain barrel. Comes with 20'-24’ of 1.25" hose, hose clamp, and adaptor.
Rain Barrel Stands: Currently unavailable. Check back for announcements ! An easy to assemble (no screws required) wooden stand to elevate and provide a sturdy base for your rain barrel.
The City of Calgary and Green Calgary have partnered up on a rebate program in 2026 to provide all Calgarian homeowners with an opportunity to receive $50 back on any rain barrel purchased at any retailer in Calgary.
The rebate program will start receiving applications April 1 and will accept up to 3500 submissions. Those who purchase a rain barrel from Green Calgary will also be directed to apply for the rebate. Each applicant can submit a receipt for a maximum of three rain barrels per household and receive $50 per barrel. Receipts for rain barrels dated within 12 months of applying are eligible.
You can learn more and apply for the rebate by clicking here
Order Online or In Person at Golden Acres Home and Garden
On April 1st, 2026, at 9am MST, Green Calgary will release rain barrels available for pre-sale on our online EcoStore. When purchasing one of our pre-sale rain barrels online, you will be prompted to choose one of four sales locations and dates to pick up your rain barrel(s), which will be announced before April 1st, 2026. We do not offer delivery. Each of the sales dates and locations will have a limited amount of rain barrels to purchase on-site.
Green Calgary does not offer delivery of rain barrels.
Although it is fine to use rain barrel water on your plant garden and perennials, it is not recommended to use the rain barrel water on your vegetable garden. If you want to use the rainwater on your vegetable garden be aware of the risks and take proper steps to mitigate them.
There are risks of contamination from asphalt shingles and from animal waste in the eaves. This can be mitigated with a first-flush system installed in the downspouts, as well as watering the soil at the base of the plants (not on the vegetables themselves) and washing vegetables thoroughly before eating them.
It is not recommended to use a rain barrel when you have new asphalt shingles for 1-2 years, depending on the wear, as a lot more debris will be present.
The rain barrels are approximately 3 feet tall by 2 feet wide and each barrel weighs approx. 25 lbs. Capacity of 55 gallons or 208 liters.
Generally as long as the damage/leak is around the fittings on the side or tap, it can be repaired. The Barrelman will be doing repairs at multiples of our sales events – details to be announced soon. If it’s outside the regular season (past June 14th), contact The Barrelman directly at email address: thebarrelman@telus.net
3 can fit in a largish SUV, 2 can fit in a smaller SUV, smaller cars can usually only fit 1 because it is too tall for the trunk so it has to go in the backseat.
Our barrels are made from upcycled plastic, repurposed locally from food condiment barrels. They are high-grade plastic and can last over 15 years if maintained properly.
Do you have questions on how to maintain your barrel?
LEARN HOW TO INSTALL YOUR BARREL
WATCH THE TUTORIAL
