The arts have been important to Wendy throughout her life. In her counselling career and personal life she has experienced the power of the arts to heal and to build community.
Locally, the vibrant arts community is a huge part of our identity that significantly contributes to the economic vitality of the region. The cultural sector represents 3.4% of Canada’s GDP, more than all resource-based industries combined. The calibre of Comox Valley artists and theatre is very high and is recognized provincially, nationally, and internationally. Our natural and First Nations history is rich and renowned.
When first elected, Wendy was surprised to hear that the arts and culture community had received minimal support from the regional economic development service. After receiving Cultural Services Report recommendations by Patricia Huntsman in 2019, for the first time, council directed staff to implement policies and actions to bolster support of the arts community.
In her second term, Wendy advocated for the Strategic Cultural Plan to be prioritized and completed. The result is a 10-year roadmap, adopted in 2025. The Phased implementation Strategy is lead by the newly hired Culture and Events Coordinator.
