Shelagh McCartney awarded King Charles III Coronation Medal

All across Canada, outstanding individuals recently received the newly struck King Charles III Coronation Medals. Among them is Dr. Shelagh McCartney, an award-winning architect, professor of urban and regional planning, and ground-breaking leader in community-based design.

This special commemorative distinction celebrates people whose contributions have significantly impacted Canada or one of its provinces or communities. Over the years, professor McCartney has demonstrated the spirit of service and excellence that this honor represents — most notably in her unwavering dedication to addressing complex housing challenges for vulnerable populations across Canada, from students to First Nations.

She is best known for collaborating intensely on innovative housing projects with First Nations in Northern Ontario and Northwest Territories. By engaging Chiefs and community members in meaningful dialogues, she has reshaped housing policies and empowered communities to both advocate for themselves and guide the development process. This work has demonstrated the transformative potential of community-led initiatives, and ultimately led to the development of Canada’s first regional First Nations led housing strategy (external link) .

Reflecting on the enduring legacy of her work, fellow professor and nomination supporter Dr. Christopher De Sousa comments: “Dr. McCartney’s impact transcends her immediate projects. By exposing students to community-led research methodologies and emphasizing the importance of equity and justice in design, she is now fostering a new wave of architects and planners who prioritize community well-being. The only thing more powerful than her service is training others to serve. Her ongoing work will continue to inspire and uplift communities across Canada and beyond.”