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What's up for grabs at Saturday's government warehouse sale

Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) is giving the public a rare chance to buy government surplus items and forfeited goods in a warehouse sale on Saturday.

These kinds of goods used to be sold at live silent auctions until bidding on the website was launched in 2008.

"All of these assets have a finite useful life and when they reach that for [the government], a lot of them still have value," said Nicholas Trudel, director general of PSPC's specialized services sector.

Shoppers will get a chance to walk into a warehouse and buy things such as a used Jet Ski or seized jewelry without bidding or waiting for shipping.

Angie Bonenfant/Radio-Canada
Angie Bonenfant/Radio-Canada
Angie Bonenfant/Radio-Canada
Angie Bonenfant/Radio-Canada

"Given our volume, given how the business has evolved and given our intent to improve and be efficient, we though we'd give this a try," he said.

Angie Bonenfant/Radio-Canada
Angie Bonenfant/Radio-Canada

He said the vehicles end up being resold because it's cheaper to buy them, sometimes modify them and flip them than to rent them.

Angie Bonenfant/Radio-Canada
Angie Bonenfant/Radio-Canada

He singled out former museum display pieces as some of the most interesting pieces they have, though he's partial to some of the camping and outdoor gear.

Angie Bonenfant/Radio-Canada
Angie Bonenfant/Radio-Canada

PSPC doesn't have an "everything-must-go" mentality, however.

"It's not a garage sale, it's not a blowout where we're trying to get rid of stuff, the goal is not to dispose willy-nilly without regard for price, our intent is to get market value … If it doesn't sell here they'll be listed online."

Angie Bonenfant/Radio-Canada
Angie Bonenfant/Radio-Canada

The sale is from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. at 3020 Hawthorne Rd., near Russell Road, in unit 500-E.