So...now what?

Once upon a time...

I bought a basic handset (Mitsubishi G310) from FIDO and a (initially cheap)
service plan to go with it.

I didn't use the phone much, so I cancelled the contract and filed the phone
in a drawer somewhere to collect dust.

Recently, I acquired a Motorola Timeport and charger for 3$ and while
playing around with it, took the old FIDO phone out of mothballs to see if
its battery and charger still work.

They do.

Now I have two working phones (the G310 needs a SIM card) and...no phone
service.

I live in Vancouver, BC. I'd like to use one of the phones (possibly both)
for myself, and for the wife/kids to use as "emergency home phone
extensions" when we're away from home, but need to get in touch with someone
quickly. I cycle-commute to Richmond, and the wife & kids are frequently
away from home.

So: what's the cheapest way to do this?

I don't see giving the cellphone numbers out to anyone. Most of the time,
the phones would sit idle until needed. I would take one with me while
biking to work and use it only if some problem came up. I am thinking of a
one-time payment to sign up and then a deal where I buy time (no
month-to-month please!) and use it as I need it. Of course, the arrangement
should be *less* expensive than what I'm paying for my home phone service.

Any suggestions?

TIA

B.