Wendy has consistently stressed that a vibrant, healthy, prosperous community is not possible without addressing the social health of the community.
She believes that all residents should feel included and respected regardless of income, homelessness, mental health and substance use challenges. Although these issues are not within the mandate of local governments, the pressure often falls on elected officials and staff to solve these problems. One of the main roles City councillors take on is advocacy to the provincial and federal governments.
- In 2023, with Councillor Hillian, Wendy put forward a resolution advocating for Peer Assisted Care Teams (crisis response teams that pair a mental health professional with a peer specialist) to be implemented locally. The Comox Valley was one of four communities in the province to receive the service, fully funded.
- In 2024, Morin put forward a resolution directing staff to look at temporary sheltering options such as temporary modular housing and other options, budget estimates, and potential partnerships for the provision of services. Morin also supported Councillor Hillian’s motion to include storage options for belongings for those unhoused,
- In 2024, iin response to public hygiene concerns downtown and accessibility challenges faced by the unhoused, Morin introduced a resolution directing city staff to engage with Island Health regarding funding and joint capital support for a 24-hour public washroom facility. In partnership with Comox Valley Transition Society and Island Health, outdoor washrooms were added at the Connect Centre.
