It was a close shave, but George the Barber will get to celebrate his 50th anniversary in business at the same location after all.
For that half-century span, George Blanis has been the resident barber at what is now known as the Days Inn, previously the Simon Fraser Hotel. When the hotel changed hands and closed for renovations earlier this year, the new owners ousted him and all other previous tenants in their plans to operate a no-frills hotel.
Many haircutting facilities offered Blanis free space to get him to his target date, and he did move in with Third Avenue Barbers in the interim, but he was bitterly disappointed.
Today he and a group of supporters will raise a glass and declare his old barbershop open once again. He was called by former Days Inn manager Steve Gibbs and told the purchase deal had fallen through. His space was untouched and if he wanted to come back, he could move in immediately.
"They can't go without George," said Blanis through his trademark Greek accent. "I came here right from the hotel, I just found out, I am so happy. So happy."
Gibbs wouldn't discuss the court action now pending between the would-be proponent and the original and still current owner Nishin Kanko Investments.
"What I can tell you is what is clear to anyone who sees it. This place is a disaster. They stripped the place. There was no furniture. Doors were missing. We have a lot of work to do to repair the place, but I've done hotel renovations before, I know what it takes, and we absolutely will be open in time to honour our agreements with the Canada Winter Games."
Gibbs said he offered all the ousted businesses their old spots back, but only Blanis was in a position to accept. The hotel itself was the owner of Riley's Pub and that will be open again next week. The rest will come with hard work and time, said Gibbs.
"This is quite a present for me. I'll be 77 on Sunday," said Blanis, who still had a lot of his former equipment in storage so he and some friends were putting it all back in place after having to pack up and leave at the end of this past March.
"That's what I wanted for him. It's good to have him back," said Gibbs. "We've just sorry he had to leave in the first place, and now he'll get to have his 50th here, and maybe even more. He isn't planning to be done any time soon."
"I'll get my 50th and a few more years too. That's what I plan," said Blanis.
He even got to keep his old phone number. Dial him up at 250-563-3541. He will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for shaves and haircuts.
