Canada Day is here. You already have your schedule of patriotic events you plan to attend, the checklist of patios you want to sip drinks on at the ready, and the group chat is blowing up with firework and party emoji’s.
Uh-oh, you forgot one major detail — How are you getting home from your night of Canada Day shenanigans? Reserving a cab past 9 p.m. for a downtown pick up is a no go, and flagging one down is nearly impossible, so what will you do?
Fortunately, local business owner, Lisa Burke of Burke Hair Lounge, wants to use her experience to help others become proactive when it comes to getting home safe this Canada Day.
After her ride home fell through, Burke found herself downtown with no way back to the West side on NYE, leaving her stuck for the second time since moving to the city.
"I was left confused and frustrated as to why I couldn’t call a cab to get a ride home," said Burke.
Understanding it was the busiest nights of the year for cab companies, she decided to try and flag one down but to no avail, decided to call it a night and stay in Kelowna.
"I want to spread awareness for people to pre-plan a safe ride home coming downtown on long weekend. Saving a couple of safe ride home options in your phone is never a bad idea,"
"Educating others and spreading the word that calling a cab while downtown is not always an option on busy nights, can hopefully help people avoid making decisions to drive home when they are over the legal limit." added Burke.
Need to get you and your wheels from point A to point B? Gals has your back! With prices similar to that of a taxi, you can get a safe ride home and have your car for the morning without breaking the bank.
According to their dispatcher, it's best to plan ahead and reserve a ride but they are always out and about on the weekend ready for a call at (250) 859-1341. Calls after 2:30 a.m. are subject to a surcharge, so keep that in mind.
LOTOK Rickshaw
You’ve probably seen them buzzing around downtown and always wanted to go for a spin, well why not try it out this long weekend?
If you live in the downtown area and are all burnt out from all the festive fun, Last Of The Old Kind Rickshaw can shuttle you and three friends to your next destination.
Not only can they get you to where you want to go, they’ll make sure you have fun while travelling! With bumpin’ music and stellar tricks, these rad rickshaw runners are much more than your average chauffeur.
BCAA members are eligible to take advantage of their Safe Ride Home Program. Get you and your car home safely by cashing in your one Safe Ride Home a year.
Counting as roadside assistance, the program is eligible to all paying BCAA members and will pick you up and tow your car home. Don’t risk the safety of yourself and others, or a hefty parking ticket. Give them a call! Keep in mind trips are subject to distance, time period and weather.
In order to keep up with the hustle and bustle of Canada Day, city buses will be operating on a Saturday schedule this Sunday. Which means you can stay out later to take in the fireworks and not have to worry about finding parking or trying to squeeze into traffic afterward.
To accommodate everyone, an additional seven buses will operate out of the Queensway Exchange on a number of popular routes to ensure everyone can get home safe, even those of you who live in Lake Country.
Have a safe and Happy Canada Day!
Burke Hair Lounge is a local hair salon located on Lawrence Avenue. They carry a variety of cruelty-free and vegan based products throughout the salon. The mission at Burke Hair Lounge is to start a conversation that influences change and give back to the community that supports their vision. For more information visit www.burkehairlounge.com and @burkehairlounge.
