Alan ‘Bo’ BorensteinThings to Do When You Turn 18 in Vancouver
If you’re turning 18, then this article is for you. Vancouver has a lot to offer, and it’s exciting to be able to explore all these options. However, don’t forget that safety should always come first, so do everything responsibly.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to ensure you’re enjoying your experience as an 18-year-old Vancouverite.
If you’re wondering what to do in Vancouver when you turn 18, keep reading because we’ve compiled a list just for you!
Things to Do When You Turn 18 in Vancouver
When you reach the age of 18, you can get a tattoo, register to vote, and watch an R-rated movie in Vancouver.
In other words, turning eighteen is a milestone that many Canadian teens look forward to. It marks freedom, responsibility, and the beginning of a new chapter in young people’s lives.
Register for the Elections
In Vancouver, you can legally vote once you reach the age of 18. It’s an important part of British Columbia’s democratic process because it allows citizens to have a say in policies that affect them on a regular basis.
The next Vancouver City election will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2022, with citizens voting for one mayor, ten city councilors, seven park board commissioners, nine school trustees, and three capital plan questions.
How to Register
Online
British Columbia has an easy-to-use online voter registration system that allows citizens to register and update their information.
All you need to provide is your name, date of birth, address, and one identification number such as your driver’s license, B.C. ID, the last six digits of your Social Security Number or your Personal Health Number.
By phone
To register for the Vancouver City elections by phone, you can call 1-800-661-8683. You will be asked for the aforementioned personal information.
By Mail, Fax, or Email
Fill up the Application to Register or Update a Provincial Voter Registration form. This form requires you to fill out the aforementioned personal information above, and your mailing address.
Once completed, mail it to Elections BC at PO Box 9725 Stn Prov Govt, Victoria, BC V8W 9J6. If you want to fax your completed form, the number is 250-387-3578, and the email address is [email protected].
In-Person Registration
In-person registrations for the BC Elections are held at #100 – 1112 Fort St, Victoria, BC, V8V 3K8. Their office is open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm from Mondays to Fridays.
Once you’ve registered, Elections BC will send you important information about where, when, and how you can vote.
Get a Tattoo
You’ve turned 18 and can now get a tattoo without your parents’ permission. If you’re wondering where to go to get your first ink, Vancouver has a wide range of choices.
Before you get a tattoo, it’s best to eat a hearty meal and stay hydrated to promote healing. It’s also advisable to avoid any alcohol intake and to make sure you get plenty of sleep before your tattoo session.
Now, before deciding on a tattoo shop, the first thing to look for is whether or not they are licensed, as tattoo artists need to complete a government-approved training course before accepting clients.
This course includes various lessons on the safe application of pigments into the skin and how to properly sterilize the workplace.
Another thing to watch out for is how they handle the first phone call. You’d want a tattoo shop that provides helpful responses to queries, especially because this is your first time.
One of the most important things to look for is cleanliness. Tattoo artists should wear disposable gloves and keep all of their tools packaged and sterilized.
Now that you finally got your first tattoo, to make sure it heals well, your tattoo artist will advise you to gently clean the tattooed area twice or thrice a day with an antibacterial soap.
Furthermore, it is wise to apply a moisturizer after washing and drying the area, and it’s critical to avoid scratching or ripping scabs, as this may increase the risk of infection.
Apply for a Job
When you reach the age of 18, you are legally entitled to a full minimum wage, so what better way to exercise that right than to apply for a job.
Now, it’s important to mention that you will require a social security account as well as health insurance right away.
While most employers can help you with your social security account and health insurance, it’s also important to know that you can apply for this through their website and receive a variety of benefits such as health, unemployment, family and child assistance, and many others.
You’re also eligible for Medical Services Plan (MSP) coverage, so inquire with human resources about the various health benefits to which you are entitled.
You must also file a tax return if you earn more than the basic personal amount, which is CAD 14,398 for the 2022 taxation year and CAD 15,000 for the 2023 taxation year.
A popular job for young people is a barista at a coffee shop. Part of the responsibilities includes preparing and serving beverages such as coffee, tea, juice, and other specialty drinks.
On average, a barista in Vancouver earns around CAD 16 to CAD 20 per hour. You won’t be having a hard time finding a barista job as Vancouver has plenty of cafes.
Now, if you enjoy traveling and meeting new people daily, you can apply for a delivery driver position. You can earn about CAD 21 to CAD 30 per hour.
Next, for those who want to share their academic knowledge, Vancouver has a wide range of tutoring services for students of all ages in various subjects.
Whether you want to tutor for a specific subject like Math, or you’re flexible and able to teach any subject, we highly recommend you take a tutor job. Tutors earn around CAD 22 to CAD 35 per hour.
Watch an R-rated movie
In Canada, R-rated movies require that anyone under the age of 17 be accompanied by an adult. However, now that you’re 18, you can buy admission tickets at movie theatres to R-rated movies on your own.
If you’re looking to expand your opportunities as an adult, then consider getting a tattoo, becoming politically active, and finding a part-time job. These are all great ways to be more independent, explore new interests, and start taking care of yourself.
As mentioned above, you’ll need to be at least 18 to do these things, and if you haven’t turned 18 yet, hopefully, this article gave you a better idea of what’s in store when you finally reach that milestone.
If you want to throw a big party to celebrate your 18th birthday, check out our article on the best event planners in Vancouver.
