Public opinion is very clear: Save Shakesides and honour Mack Laing’s Will!

The online petition by the Mack Laing Heritage Society has produced strong support for preserving Shakesides.

It also reveals considerable outrage at Comox Council for apparently refusing to honour Mack Laing’s Will and use the Trust funds he left the Town as he wished – to create a natural history museum in Shakesides.

A selection of comments – the majority from Comox residents and taxpayers, indicates a high level of familiarity with the issue. The text of the petition was made very clear, so that those signing it knew exactly what they were supporting:

“I support the retention of Mack Laing’s Shakesides House in Mack Laing Park, Comox, British Columbia, and the creation of a nature house/interpretive centre in the House, to educate in natural history, as Mack Laing stated in his Will and Trust. In addition, I ask the Town of Comox to endorse this project and do all in its power to ensure that Mack Laing’s wishes are honoured and upheld.”

The MLHS is honoured to present some of the comments made by those answering the petition call, and sincerely thanks everyone for their responses:

“The Naturalist Centre at Shakesides would be an excellent venue for educating the public on the critical importance of nature in our daily lives.”

“With the money that has been offered by senior levels of government, and the interest in Conservation in the valley, it would not be wise to cross your electorate.”

“It would be a breach of trust to demolish Shakesides when the terms of Mack Laing’s will were that it would be retained and used to educate about natural history. It is very important that the current elected officials for the Town of Comox demonstrate they are honourable and trustworthy stewards of this important part of their own history.”

“Keep it! It’s a memento of one of BC and Canada’s finest naturalists! Destroying it is crass and philistine.”

“I want to add my name to the petition to save the former home of Mack Laing. It is too late for Baybrook – this is the only former home left. Please fullfill his legacy.

“Shortsighted lack of vision and disrespect for BC heritage.”

“It is a terrible shame for the Town of Comox to not honour their agreement that they made with Mack Laing so many years ago after he generously willed such a spectacular property. The building has been left to decay when it could have been educating us all these years about the wonder of our natural environment, especially the land in question.”

“As a resident who was raised down the street from this park I have enjoyed it many times in my lifetime. Shame on you Town of Comox for dropping the ball on this one. Where’s all that money now?”

“Life for all Comox Valley residents and visitors will be enhanced by a nature centre in this important estuary.”

“I would love see this home turned into a nature house as per Mack Laing’s wishes. I think we could do a gofundme type event to raise money….just because Town of Comox won’t do their part doesn’t mean we can’t do the right thing….What a great spot to have a nature house….”

“I think you should honour Mack Laing’s will and use the trust funds that were bequeathed to the Town of Comox to restore Shakesides. It’s the right thing to do. Do not demolish Shakesides.”

“So ridiculous to tear down buildings in a country that is so “young”. Sacrilege. Give your head a shake – all you nay sayers. This man left money in good faith – who are we to think we cannot honour his legacy? Let’s not be this shallow.”

“It is a very small thing to back the preservation of Shakesides, but the consequences will be great. Laing stood for the preservation of the Natural World. To go into the future we must preserve both, the human community and the natural world, One without the other is inconceivable.”

“This action would be a breach of trust for which councillors might be held personally accountable.”

“The town of Comox will benefit greatly preserving Shakesides as a an interpretive centre. Please ensure that this happens.”

“I support the restoration of Shakesides as a natural history centre to commemorate Mack Laing’s historic place in Canada’s naturalist history.”

“It is incumbent upon the Town of Comox to honour the terms of the trust and preserve this valuable property as intended.”

“Honour the bequested wishes.”

“Not only for the sake of the historical value of this remaining home, for tourism benefits, but especially to honour the spirit in which Mr. Laing gave his homes and properties to the Town of Comox, I strongly urge you to find a way forward that honours all concerns and his wishes.”

“I believe that under the terms of Mack Laing’s will, and its acceptance by the Town of Comox, there is a duty to retain Shakesides as a “real” education centre where actual learning can occur, rather than yet another website where its success is counted in “likes”.”

“This is NOT a private park. It is a public park and public use should be encouraged. Perhaps some of the people recommending demolition of Shakesides are a little too close to the situation.”

“HONOUR MACK LAING’S WILL.”

“I’m signing this Petition because this is part of Comox history…preserve it!”

“Please preserve this important heritage site and develop a natural educational facility for present and future generations.”

“Please don’t destroy this place as such places are absolutely necessary”

“A trust is a trust is a trust— Trusts should be kept, no matter what the cost.”

What a betrayal of trust and a travesty to the residents of the Comox Valley. Shame on you Town of Comox! Do the honourable thing and use the trust funds bequeathed to you to restore Shakesides and create the nature house/natural history museum as Mack Laing stated in his will. What kind of leadership does this teach our children when our leaders ignore the terms of a deceased person’s will. I’m outraged. Do the right thing.

“It would be such a pity to loose a beautiful place with so much history. My children and I are at the Mack Laing Park daily and always exploring and learning…there’s nothing else like it!”

The petition is still active on this website. Enter comments and join the protest by clicking on the Shakesides Petition tab.

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