Dear editor,
The final season’s lecture at NIC Elder College was delivered by Dr. Richard Mackie, UBC professor of geography and twice the winner of BC’s top honour for historical writing. He spoke of the special place that heritage buildings play in our communities and families, both in holding our memories and in honouring our past. He used as examples the dance hall on Newcastle Island, restored and in use again for special events, and the Haig-Brown house in Campbell River, a centre for heritage walks and visits, a residence for writers and a source of community pride.
In contrast, he expressed sadness at the demolition of Baybrook, August 6, 2015, the first Comox home of our own Mack Laing, noted conservationist, writer, artist and ornithologist, whose writings, photographs and bird specimens are valued acquisitions in our National and Provincial Natural History Museums.
Now the Town plans the demolition of Shakesides, Mack Laing’s second home, which he left in Trust to the Town of Comox prior to his death in 1982 to be used as a Natural History Museum. It is this Trust that the current Council is applying to vary with the BC Attorney General in order to access the Trust Fund and facilitate the demolition of the house. At the same time the Cultural and Heritage branch of the Comox Valley Naturalist Society (CVNS) is also petitioning the Attorney General to spare Shakesides and allow them to work with community interest groups and individuals who wish to meet the conditions of the Trust.
The new president of the Mack Laing Heritage Society recently held out an olive branch to Comox Council requesting the opportunity to involve others, who have already pledged their time and expertise, in helping to restore Shakesides. May citizens of Comox speak up to protect this community treasure.
Barbara Martin
Comox, BC