Kelowna rickshaw business expands as business grows – Okanagan
A Kelowna man who has been in the rickshaw driving business since 2013 recently expanded his fleet after noticing an increase in demand from tourists and locals.
Dan Power has been driving a rickshaw cart since he was 17 years old. The dream started in Halifax, Nova Scotia after seeing someone pulling people behind a wooden cart. Power worked as a rickshaw driver in Halifax before starting his own business in Kelowna in 2020, calling it « Power Rickshaw. » For Power and his passengers, the ride has been relatively smooth ever since.
“I love seeing so many people on the streets having fun and enjoying the Okanagan,” Power describes.
« We have locals who go out and have fun and we see them week in and week out, and then there are people who come in from out of town, and trying to be the highlight of people’s experience is what we are here for. »
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There were a few bumps along the way. COVID-19 restrictions have led to a drop in tourism and this has led to a slowdown in business, but now that the restrictions have been lifted his business has not only rebounded but he has expanded his fleet adding a new member of team and a cart.
« Having Kevin on the team has been a huge help in keeping up with the demand, » says Power. « We’re back to having fun, people are having fun here, there are a lot more tourists, the bars are open late again, it’s just huge for my business. »
The newest addition to the Power Rickshaw team is Kevin Ferreira. Although he has no previous experience transporting people by rickshaw, he says the new work experience was invaluable and he learned along the way.
« I would say it’s more than a job, it’s like a lifestyle because it’s not like the money you make, it’s the experiences you have like the conversations you get out of it. “, reveals Ferreira. « You can be yourself with customers and people. »
As you’d expect, shooting people all day is physically demanding, which was a big eye-opener for Ferreira.
« Honestly, I’ve never been this fit before, it changed my whole body, » Ferreira said.
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« You really have to push yourself and sometimes you just need to go the extra mile, and I think that’s what makes this job challenging while still keeping it fun. »
Those who took a ride with Power and Ferreira on Saturday had nothing but good things to say about the company’s growth.
« I feel like it’s a great way to walk around Bernard and people watch and see all that Kelowna has to offer, » said Jade Gaudet.
« It’s our favorite mode of transportation, » said Mikayla Meyers.
Power added that he plans to continue to grow the business.
globalnews
