The Town of Inuvik, Northwest Territories, announced on January 15, 2026, that Councillor Kurt Wainman has been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal. The award recognizes his long record of service to the community through his work on the local council and in the private sector.
Kurt Wainman has served five consecutive terms on Inuvik Town Council and is the president and founder of Northwind Industries. His company was a key contractor on the Inuvik–Tuktoyaktuk Highway project, including work as part of the EGT‑Northwind joint venture that helped construct the all‑weather road to Canada’s Arctic coast.
Outside of his council and business roles, Wainman is known for supporting local groups such as the warming shelter and the food bank. In a separate action, the Town of Inuvik approved renting the John Wayne Kiktorak building to the Inuvik Food Bank for $1 a year; reporting shows that Wainman has been a supporter of local charities but was absent from the recorded vote on that specific council decision.
The King Charles III Coronation Medal was created to mark the King’s coronation (May 6, 2023). Administered by the Office of the Secretary to the Governor General, the program recognizes Canadians who have made significant contributions to their communities; roughly 30,000 medals will be awarded nationally. Wainman’s selection was cited as recognition of his practical, boots‑on‑the‑ground leadership and ongoing commitment to helping Inuvik’s most vulnerable residents.
