Several members of the Nipissing-Timiskaming community were honoured with the King Charles III Coronation Medal in a ceremony held at the North Bay Museum last week. The awards were presented by the local MP Anthony Rota, in recognition of their significant contributions to the region and beyond.
The King Charles III Coronation Medal was created to commemorate the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III on May 6, 2023. It is the first Canadian commemorative medal to mark a coronation and is awarded to individuals who have made notable contributions to Canada or their local communities. The Governor General and her office administers the program – which will see 30,000 medals awarded nationwide.
The dozen northern Ontario recipients from Nipissing-Timiskaming whom were honoured on March 6 were:
- Mathilde Bazinet, a founding member of the Nipissing Serenity Hospice and former dean of Canadore College’s Health Sciences department.
- Brian Bellefeuille, a veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces who served in Afghanistan and has dedicated 23 years to public service as a police officer in Sudbury and with the Ontario Provincial Police.
- Mark Cameron, a Canadian Armed Forces member with extensive overseas service who was recently named top sergeant at 22 Wing Canadian Forces Base in North Bay.
- Barbara Gavan, a former board member of Health Human Resources and active supporter of local charities – including One Kids Place.
- Peter Gavan, who initiated the All Ontario Catholic Girls Volleyball Tournament and brought international volleyball exhibitions to the region.
- Garth Goodhew, a retired educator and longtime donor to local hospitals, who has contributed to the purchase of medical equipment for more than two decades.
- Clarke Heipel, a local journalist and volunteer with various organizations including he North Bay & District Humane Society and the Callander Fire Department.
- Bonnie Leonard, a local representative for Quilts of Valour, an organization that supports ill and injured veterans through outreach and community engagement.
- Hariett Madigan, former Honorary Colonel for 22 Wing Canadian Forces Base in North Bay and dedicated volunteer for numerous local charities.
- Al McDonald, former Mayor of North Bay and a former MPP for the area, known for his leadership in community projects such as ‘Save the Cents’ and ‘Save the Hill.’
- Ted Thomson, a former owner and governor of the North Bay Centennials, who was recognized for his efforts to keep the team in the community and his other philanthropic work.
- Colin Vezina, founder of the Nipissing Vezina Bursary, which provides financial assistance to students in need and a longtime supporter of community charities.
In his remarks, Rota praised the recipients for their dedication to improving the lives of others.
“It is always a pleasure to recognize the hard-working people in our community who are dedicated to making a positive difference in everyone’s lives,” he said.
“Today’s recipients embody the qualities that this award exemplifies.”
The King Charles III Coronation Medal was designed by the Canadian Heraldic Authority and manufactured by the Royal Canadian Mint.
Eligibility for the medal requires recipients to have been alive on King Charles III’s coronation date and having made a significant contribution to Canada or their local community.
For more information about the King Charles III Coronation Medal, visit the Governor General’s website.
