The City of Sault Ste. Marie will posthumously honour Gary Trembinski Sr. with the Medal of Merit at the council meeting on February 2. The award recognizes a lifetime of service to the community.
A Legacy of Service
Trembinski, who died on October 8, 2025, at the age of 68, dedicated decades to public service in Sault Ste. Marie. He served as a city councillor for the former Ward Six in the 1980s and 1990s, and more recently as a trustee with the Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board at the time of his death.
The nomination for the Medal of Merit was driven by his sons, Gary Jr. and Glen, who rallied support from the community. They gathered nearly a thousand signatures on a petition at Metallo’s Mini Mart, a Northern Avenue convenience store that Trembinski owned and operated since 2002.
Community Support
Mayor Shoemaker reportedly informed Gary Jr. that the nomination package submitted on behalf of his father was the largest the city had ever received. This outpouring of support, according to Gary Jr., reflects the many lives his father touched. Glen and his mother, Edythe, have since taken over ownership and management of Metallo’s Mini Mart.
Trembinski’s commitment extended beyond formal roles in government. He is remembered for his accessibility and willingness to help residents, even while attending events like Soo Greyhounds games. “Dad would be walking around and people would say ‘hey Gary, I have this problem.’ He would listen and help you figure it out,” recalled Gary Jr.
A Lasting Impact
Alongside his political and civic contributions, Trembinski is also credited with helping to revive a beloved local tradition: the Queen Street Cruise. Co-founding the event in 2016 with Joseph Bisceglia, he sought to recapture the spirit of a bygone era when Queen Street was a central hub for social activity. He anticipated over 350 vehicles would participate in the most recent event.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Gary Trembinski Sr. be officially honoured?
He will be honoured posthumously at the Sault Ste. Marie council meeting on February 2.
What was Gary Trembinski Sr.’s business?
He owned and operated Metallo’s Mini Mart on Northern Avenue since 2002.
What is the Queen Street Cruise?
The Queen Street Cruise is an annual event co-founded by Trembinski and Joseph Bisceglia in 2016, intended to recreate the atmosphere of cruising along Queen Street, a popular pastime in Sault Ste. Marie’s past.
As Sault Ste. Marie prepares to recognize Gary Trembinski Sr.’s contributions, what other local figures do you believe deserve similar acknowledgement for their dedication to the community?
