KELOWNA — Uber Canada wants to assess how much interest there is from drivers and the public in having the ride-sharing company set up shop in Kelowna.
That’s why the company announced on Thursday that it will be holding a public information session in the city on Monday.
“We hold these info sessions in communities across Canada so people can learn about the benefits of the Uber platform and so we may assess local driver interest,” said Heath.
The public meeting is part of the company’s efforts, both online and through its app, to urge B.C.’s premier to voice support.
The provincial government has resisted efforts by the San Francisco-based company to come to B.C.
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The ride-sharing company has faced opposition in several Canadian municipalities and has upset many in the taxi industry.
“I fail to understand how Uber can either address the public safety issue or paying its dues fairly… Unless they have special status or are above the law, I would absolutely want to say I don’t agree with that idea or that status,” says president of the B.C. Taxi Association Mohan Kang.
READ MORE: Toronto’s proposed Uber bylaw panned by taxi industry
Uber says B.C. is the largest jurisdiction in North America without its services.
“There are over one million people in over 400 cities in 70 countries around the world and 22,000 people in cities across Canada who are partnering with Uber,” said Uber Canada spokesperson Susie Heath.
The City of Kelowna says its waiting to hear what the province decides before taking a stance on the ride-sharing company.
“Until we know any restrictions that the province would place on Uber, it’s hard for us to speculate on how Uber may fit in here in Kelowna,” says City Clerk, Stephen Fleming.
The public information session on Monday will be held at Royal Anne Hotel from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
~ With files from Nadia Stewart and Yuliya Talmazan
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