Steveston Barbers inducted into Hall of Fame

Steveston Barbers owner Iain MacKelworth (second from left) and crew receive their award from chamber chair Barry Grabowski (left) and Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie (right).

Rob Newell photo

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For a business, enduring a generation is an accomplishment. So to last 75 years, and still be going strong, is worthy of Hall of Fame honours.

That’s exactly what Steveston Barbers got Wednesday night at the Richmond Chamber of Commerce’s 35th annual Business Excellence Awards.

Mayor Malcolm Brodie and chamber chair Barry Grabowski officially inducted the longtime local barbershop into the Business Excellence Awards Hall of Fame in front of a full house at River Rock Show Theatre.

In accepting the honour, Iain MacKelworth, Steveston Barbers’ owner for the past 19 years, first offered thanks to his dad.

“Dad taught me everything I knew. He taught me how to cut hair, and he showed me how to do it with these boys, and these boys done me proud,” said MacKelworth, a native of London, England.

“Thanks to everybody here for like looking at us, because we’re just a little little shop and this is just a major major honour.”

MacKelworth started working at the barbershop in 1990, the year he immigrated to Canada. He quickly fell in love with Steveston Village.

When the previous owner announced he was ready to move on in 1993, MacKelworth bought the business, which has become his passion.

“I have a great job. I love the constant change in trends, and as a shop we adapt well to the ebb and flow of fashion. We take a lot of pride in our work.”

Steveston Barbers’ staff—who include Ryan Lewis, Ray Tsuji, Jared Provost and Dave Lamoureux—are known for their haircutting talent and ability to shoot the breeze with their wide range of customers.

In July, Steveston Barbers held a 75th anniversary celebration, drawing customers and staff from today and yesterday.

Peter Martyniuk, a Ukranian immigrant, founded the shop in 1937. It was first located on Moncton Street, where Village Bikes now is.

Today, Steveston Barbers is located at 120-3880 Chatham St.