The Glenelm Neighbourhood Association (GeNA) is deeply saddened by the sudden and unexpected death of our city councillor and neighbour, Jason Schreyer. From our first steps towards forming a neighbourhood group in 2016, right up until his untimely passing, Jason was always there for us, enthusiastically supporting community initiatives in any way he could.
Over the years Jason’s care and commitment have strengthened Glenelm and the broader Elmwood-EK area in innumerable ways. He supported GeNA as it got off the ground, with ongoing funding to cover expenses for our small but mighty grassroots group, allowing us to focus on building community rather than just paying the bills. Jason championed a major boulevard tree project with $53,000 of funding, and was a loyal contributor to our annual fall tree banding campaign. The redevelopment of the empty lot at 243 Henderson led by the Reimagine Elmwood Coalition simply would not have been possible without Jason’s optimism and support. He was also pivotal in the current project to bring a new community garden and shade structure to Roxy Park. Jason’s more recent work on addressing food insecurity is having a real and significant positive impact on folks in Elmwood who are struggling to feed their families.
Simply put: if something good was happening here in Glenelm, the odds are good Jason played a role in some way. And just as Jason helped make good things happen here in Glenelm, he supported our neighbours in Chalmers and throughout the Elmwood-EK ward, and in many other capacities of service within city council.
On a more human level, Jason was our Glenelm neighbour. We’ll miss his smile and his gregarious personality, his easy-going nature and – of course – his passion for music and propensity to break into song! We could always rely on Jason to liven up a crowd or get a party started. We will never forget the year that Jason stepped away from his own birthday festivities to perform a set during Meandering Music.
Jason always wanted to look out for those with the least power and had a keen sense of justice. His legacy and memory will inspire us to see each other’s struggles and to lift each other up.
We extend our deepest condolences to Jason’s family and loved ones during this time of deep sorrow. When the time is right, we’ll celebrate his life in a way we think Jason would love – with music.
Rest in peace, Jason. We’ll miss you.
Below: Jason performs at the July 2023 edition of Meandering Music.