Locals Honoured With King Charles III Coronation Medal

Several people from the North Island are among hundreds of British Columbians being awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal.

“I extend my sincere congratulations to the recipients of The King Charles III Coronation Medal,” said Premier David Eby.

“This distinguished honour recognizes your dedication, unwavering commitment and the profound impact you have made on your communities and our province. It is a testament to the respect and admiration you have earned.”

The medal was created to mark the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III by Governor General Mary Simon and recognizes people who have made significant contributions to Canada and their home province and communities.

North Island MLA Michele Babchuk, who said we’re all better off because of their dedication and leadership to the community, handed awards to four local honourees:

Dr, Erika Kellerhals
Dr. Kellerhals has dedicated her life to assisting people with mental health and addictions. She is the driving force behind preventive measures and safe supply for communities across the North Island, focusing her practice almost entirely on the opioid epidemic and COVID-19.

Dr. Lisa Domae
Dr. Lisa Domae is an extraordinary leader who has developed a visionary plan for North Island College through the Build 2026 initiative. This plan emphasizes local community development and skills training for local industries. Under her leadership, North Island College has been recognized as a first-class educational institution.

Valery Puetz
Valery Puetz recently retired after serving for over 20 years as the Executive Director of the Campbell River and North Island Transition Society. Her leadership has driven significant capital and program expansions, particularly in services for vulnerable community members, including those affected by violence, addiction, homelessness, and housing. Valery has also played a pivotal role in bringing the Rose Harbour and Eagle Harbour housing initiatives to Campbell River for women and children fleeing violence.

Colin Gabelmann
Colin Gabelmann, who served as the MLA for North Island and Attorney General for B.C., continues to contribute to his community on the board of the Beaver Lodge lands, advocating for the preservation of this important local ecosystem.

Courtenay-Comox MLA Ronna-Rae Leonard presented the medal to a young local changemaker, Sophia Vallant, saying it was an opportunity to not only recognize Sophia’s accomplishments, but a moment to reflect on the fact that each of us can contribute in our own way to a stronger Canada and a stronger future.

The second-year UVic student created a 3D printed hospital training tool while she was still in high school, saving the Comox Valley hospital $12,000. Among other things, she also sewed hundreds of masks to fit people of all ages during the Covid-19 pandemic.

More recently, while home for the summer Sophia has begun planning another community project to support the Lake Trail Community Education Society.

“My hope with this is to unlock more possibilities for LTCES so that they can bring community support and leadership programming to as many students as possible,” she says.

The Government of B.C. is presenting 551 medals, with ceremonies being held across the province by local MLAs.