First presented in 1972, the Medal of Merit is an award given to a person or a group from Sault Ste. Marie in recognition of outstanding achievement or contribution to the community. It is recognized as the highest honor that can be bestowed to a citizen. The Trembinski family is excited to share our efforts in nominating Gary Trembinski Sr. for Sault Ste. Marie's 2025 Medal of Merit. 

The support that has been shown to the Trembinski family Since "Lumpy" left us has left us in complete awe. The compassion of Sault Ste. Marie never disappoints, and it's a community we're all proud to call our home.

Over the past month, we've been collecting support signatures at Metallo's Mini Mart, the convenience store Gary owned for nearly 23 years until his passing. Again, the support has been absolutely outstanding. Hundreds of customers have stopped by and signed in support, and share a story or two .It's become abundantly clear that Gary would be a perfect candidate for this award, and the support around the idea has only solidified our efforts.

Gary’s Qualifications

A Lifetime of Service to Sault Ste. Marie

• Sault Ste. Marie City Alderman – Ward 6 

December 1st, 1982 – November 30th, 1985 (c. City Clerk – City of Sault Ste. Marie)

• Sault Ste. Marie City Councillor

December 1st, 1994 – November 30th, 1997 (c. City Clerk – City of Sault Ste. Marie)

• Owner – Metallo’s Mini Mart

November 2002 – October 8th, 2025

• School Board Trustee – Huron Superior Catholic District School Board

December 1st, 2014 – November 30th, 2018 (c. City Clerk – City of Sault Ste. Marie)

December 1st, 2018 – November 30th, 2022 (c. City Clerk – City of Sault Ste. Marie)

December 1st, 2022 – October 8th, 2025* (c. City Clerk – City of Sault Ste. Marie)

• Chairman of Trustees – Huron Superior Catholic District School Board

Dates pending confirmation (c. Huron Superior Catholic District School Board)

• Vice-Chairman of Trustees – Huron Superior Catholic District School Board

Dates pending confirmation (c. Huron Superior Catholic District School Board)

Gary Trembinski – Putting “The Soo” on the Map Since 1981!

• Event Organizer – Great Lakes 4x4 Challenge Day Races

Summer - 1981

• President - Great Lakes 4x4 Club

Feb. 1982 c. Sault Star Feb. 3, 1982 – A-11

• Board of Directors – Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce

July, 1983 (c. Sault Star, July 9th, 1983, Section B, Pages 1-14)

• Kiwanis Club SSM - Event Organizer
• Co-Founder – Sault Ste. Marie Queen Street Cruise Festival

2016 – 2025 (c. Queen Street Cruise Festival)

Accolades & Acknowledgements

• Great Lakes 4x4 Club – Donated fundraiser proceeds to Sault Ste. Marie General Hospital – Proceeds were used to purchase Cancer Treatment Equipment

(c. Sault Star, August 13th, 1981 – Page 15)

• Club Calabrese

(Certificate of Appreciation – 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)

• The Animal Assistance Group

(Certificate of Appreciation –  2013. Collected donations at Metallo’s Mini Mart)

• Ducks Unlimited Canada

(Certificate of Appreciation – Wetlands for Tomorrow. Conservation of Canada’s Wetland Habitats)

• Arch Hospice

(Certificate of Appreciation –  2017. Proceeds from Queen Street Cruise Foundation)