CAMPBELL RIVER – During a lunch with MLA Michele Babchuk, four outstanding individuals from the North Island were awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal. This prestigious medal was created to mark the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III on May 6, 2023. It represents the first Canadian commemorative medal to honor a coronation.
“It is such a privilege to honour these exceptional community members with this award,” said Michele Babchuk, MLA for the North Island. “We’re all better off because of their dedication and leadership to our community, and I am so excited to have this day to celebrate these individuals and their achievements, and give them just a little bit of the massive recognition they so deserve.”
The Honourees:
Dr. Erika Kellerhals
Dr. Erika Kellerhals has been a long-standing family doctor in Campbell River and on Quadra Island for over 30 years. Over the past 10 years, Dr. Kellerhals’ practice has shifted to helping people across the North Island suffering from substance abuse, using her expertise and passion to advocate for detox, treatment, preventative measures, and safe supply.
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.
All honourees play a part in making the North Island an amazing place to live, and have built legacies that will continue that effort for generations to come.
The Government of B.C. is presenting 551 medals, with ceremonies being held across the province by local MLAs.