The Glenn Carpenter Centre: A Brief History

Glenn Carpenter was a community builder, a businessman and an early adopter of social entrepreneurship. A proud New Brunswicker and ultimate visionary, Glenn understood the potential of his province that he strived to unlock by advocating for strong, healthy communities.

In addition to founding storage solutions company Tabufile Atlantic Limited, Glenn was a dedicated volunteer. He was a long-time member of the Y Service Club, an avid supporter of Junior Achievement New Brunswick, and he played an integral role in the development of the Crane Mountain recycling and composting facility. A humble and selfless character, Glenn often used his platform to champion the important causes he held dear. Though this was exemplified in many of his actions, he memorably used his entire Outstanding Business Award acceptance speech to promote the importance of blood donation in 1986.

Of his many endeavours in volunteerism, Glenn was most proud of those where he was able to support youth in our community. He was a fierce believer in the promise of young New Brunswickers and aimed to provide opportunities for all, regardless of gender, race, or socioeconomic status. This was highlighted as a founding member of Big Brothers Big Sisters Saint John.

When Glenn was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in 1996, he began to reflect on his life and what his legacy would be. He thought about growing up in Marysville and the foundational experiences he had had at summer camp, and the role models he met along the way.

Glenn dreamed of a place where kids could be themselves in a safe, fun, and accessible environment, surrounded by nature. That haven came in the form of a 220-acre property at Ashburn Lake owned by the Wilson family, with a lodge, a lake and lots of room to run wild. Glenn engaged his family and mobilized supporters to acquire the property which would ultimately open its doors in the summer of 2000, only months after Glenn’s passing.

The Centre continues to be a glowing representation of Saint Johners and their charitable spirit. As a truly community-powered initiative, hundreds of talented folks have donated their time, talent, and treasure to maintain and grow the facility over the last two decades.

Glenn’s last entrepreneurial act has benefited thousands of youth in Southern New Brunswick since 2000 and will continue to serve well into the future. Glenn’s vision was to make today’s youth tomorrow’s leaders — and this beautiful piece of property is one of the ways in which we can help fulfill that vision.