While Glenn De Baeremaeker was City Councillor for Ward 38, he hosted a wide range of events designed to enrich the lives of community members.
Job and Career Fairs
Glenn hosted job fairs at the Scarborough Civic Centre with Councillor Michael Thompson—this was one way in which these councillors helped their residents find good jobs and help local employers find good employees. Glenn and Michael estimate that more than 5,000 people have found jobs thanks to their job fairs. Employers who have participated include Centennial College, Porter Airlines, Scotiabank and the Toronto Transit Commission, to name just a few.
Environment Days
At Glenn’s Environment Days, local residents dropped off items such as old paint cans, chemicals, old eyeglasses, sports equipment, stereos, computers, cell phones and old art supplies. Glenn promoted each day heavily, which helped ensure it was one of the busiest of such events in the entire City of Toronto. Across the city, in 2017 alone, more than 100,000 kg of used electronics were collected, as well as almost 300,000 kg of household hazardous waste. In addition, more than 68,000 kg of reusable household goods were collected across Toronto. More than 1,200 people attended.
Remembrance Day Services
Hundreds of Scarborough residents of all ages attend the annual Remembrance Day ceremony to honour our lost war veterans and the many men and women who have served their country during war, military conflict and peace. Glenn is proud to have been part of this important ceremony at the Scarborough Civic Centre.
Compost Days
Glenn hosted nearly 100 free compost days at locations across the community. More than 2,000 residents participated in these events, where they received free compost (thanks to the City’s green bin program) and chatted with Glenn about local issues. At six locations in May 2018, hundreds of people turned out.
Valentine’s Skating Party
Held on a Sunday afternoon close to Valentine’s Day, Glenn’s skating party was a fun-filled Scarborough Centre tradition. The party at the Centennial Recreation Centre attracted residents of all ages for an afternoon of skating, hot chocolate, popcorn and other treats. Kids enjoy face painting, crafts, balloons and entertainment by jugglers.
Film Fest in the Park
Free movie nights were hosted by Glenn on Fridays each July. Thanks to donations from the private sector, hundreds of local families enjoyed magical evenings in local parks with free popcorn—and the occasional juggler, musician and Chinese dancing dragon—as they watched great family movies.
Wood Chip Giveaways
After the worst ice storm in 100 years, Glenn arranged to supply over 400 cubic metres of wood mulch (the equivalent of 400 pick-up trucks) free to local residents. The ice storm damaged or destroyed thousands of trees, but Glenn did not want the fallen wood to go to waste. So, he first organized a free wood mulch day for his residents in 2014. Hundreds of Glenn’s former constituents enjoyed healthier gardens thanks to this great program!
Canada Day Celebrations
Over the years, Glenn and his volunteers participated in many Canada Day events, including a parade along Brimley Road, as well as the live music, kids’ crafts and train rides offered in local parks.
Wildflower Plantings
To foster a sense of community spirit, ownership and pride, Glenn hosted annual wildflower plantings in the 100-acre Scarborough Butterfly Trail (located in the hydro corridor that runs through Scarborough). Residents planted flowers, removed weeds, spread mulch, installed bird boxes, and made and distributed seed balls. They also enjoyed tours led by local biologists and have the opportunity to chat with Glenn about local issues.
Kids’ Christmas Party
Glenn had special arrangements with Santa to make a stop at the Cedarbrook Community Centre each December. In addition to having their picture taken with Santa, children received a letter from Santa, made holiday cards and crafts, sipped hot chocolate, and played while their parents had a chance to chat to Glenn about local issues. Glenn’s Kids’ Christmas Party was an annual tradition for many local families. More than 300 people attended the 2017 party on Sunday, December 10.
Chinese New Year Celebration
The annual Chinese New Year celebration at Scarborough Town Centre was always a fun event for Glenn and hundreds of Scarborough families. It continues to be a great opportunity to view live entertainment, meet with neighbours and wish friends “Kung Hay Fat Choy!”
Volunteer Recognition
Scarborough is home to many citizens who, through their volunteer work, enrich the lives of others and help make the community a wonderful place to live. There are unsung heroes of all ages: teens who go above and beyond their required volunteer hours, adults who provide elderly neighbours with meals on wheels or a snow-free front walk, and seniors themselves who help with countless good deeds. Glenn recognized many such individuals—who are nominated by others in the community—with Good Neighbour Awards. Glenn also supported other local volunteer recognition efforts, including the Parks, Forestry & Recreation awards program (see photo). As the sign says, “Volunteers Are Gold”!
Bookmark Contests
A strong supporter of libraries and reading programs, Glenn hosted bookmark contests to encourage children to love reading and express their artistic flare. Winners received laminated copies of their winning entries, so that they could share their creations with their families and teachers.
Telephone Town Halls
Glenn used computer technology to hold telephone town hall meetings during which he updated residents on local issues, answered questions, and surveyed residents about issues that are important them. In the past, about 30 residents would show up for a town hall meeting at the local library, but Glenn had about 1,000 people tune in from the comfort of their own homes! He also kept thousands of residents updated with periodic newsletters and invited their emails and calls to his office.
Cutest Dog Contests
Local dogs showed off their good looks, demonstrated who is best trained, and revealed who looked most like their owner at these popular events that were hosted by Glenn. Visitors could also check out the low-cost microchip booth and, from the local animal shelter, they could meet some of the animals that were up for adoption.