12/22/2025
Celebrating a True Community Champion: Marlys Diamond 🌟
To say Marlys Diamond’s life is rich in purpose and passion would be an understatement. Since 1988, Marlys has dedicated herself to strengthening, beautifying, and advocating for the Qualicum Beach community—and her impact can be seen everywhere you look.
From helping preserve the Old School House (TOSH) as a thriving art gallery, to serving two terms on Town Council, to leading Communities in Bloom for seven years, Marlys has consistently brought people together to create lasting change. Under her leadership, Qualicum Beach earned national and international recognition, fostered cultural growth, and inspired communities beyond our region.
A tireless advocate for healthcare, seniors’ services, and environmental stewardship, Marlys has played a key role in advancing local healthcare initiatives, supporting aging-in-place solutions for seniors, and encouraging greener, more connected neighbourhoods. Even today, she remains actively involved—most recently helping launch Berwick Qualicum Beach’s Pollinator Pathways, a multigenerational initiative supporting local pollinators.
In recognition of her extraordinary contributions, we are proud to share that Marlys has been nominated for the Women of Influence Nanaimo (WIN) Awards. These awards celebrate women, non-binary, 2-spirit, and gender-diverse role models whose leadership, innovation, and dedication strengthen the fabric of our community. All nominees will be honoured at the WIN Awards Gala on February 11, 2026, at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre, where 11 winners will be announced live.
Marlys’ impact extends well beyond our community. Her earlier work with the Alberta Forestry Association helped shape environmental education across Canada, and in 2012 she was honoured with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for her service.
Through every role she has held, Marlys has remained grounded in her core values—community, healthcare, and the environment. We are honoured to celebrate her legacy and thrilled to see her influence recognized at such a meaningful level.
Congratulations, Marlys—your leadership continues to inspire us all.