George Blanchard arrived in Port Arthur in 1916 and was employed by C. D. Howe & Company before taking over William Hood's architectural business in 1920. As a prominent architect in Port Arthur, Blanchard designed many noteworthy buildings including the Port Arthur General Hospital, Queen Elizabeth School, the Coca Cola plant, and the Port Arthur Golf and Country Club.
The Ontario Government Works Office appointed Blanchard Superintendent of Northwestern Ontario, and he also served as president of the Children’s Aid Society. Blanchard was also the treasurer of the Municipality of Shuniah for 17 years before leaving to work at the new Port Arthur Mental Home as resident superintendent.
During his years as a City Councillor and as Mayor, the Great Depression was at its worst. People were extremely unhappy with the high unemployment rates, and ratepayers were resentful of the taxes they were required to pay. It was quite a trying time for both Blanchard and the City of Port Arthur.
Born: March 3, 1891 in Kingston-upon-Hull, England
Died: July 19, 1978 in Vernon, British Columbia at the age of 87
Councillor: 1931-1932
Mayor: 1933
Previous Mayor: Mayor Percy Victor Ibbetson
Next Mayor: Mayor Charles Winnans Cox
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