A visit to the Shakesides house location in Mack Laing Park on June 24 became a series of shocking photos of the state of the house, a result largely caused by the Town and a contractor removing window frames and some cedar shakes from the building. Lack of maintenance in the Park itself, especially in the areas in the front and sides of the house, was also observed.
The Town of Comox has stated that it plans to demolish the house in late summer, but in the meantime has ensured it looks as derelict as possible, a disgrace to the memory of Hamilton Mack Laing, who deeded both the Park and the house to the town in 1973.
Close-up of Shakesides roof showing window frame removed from attic, and torn roof protection installed by Lacasse to prevent leakage into the house.
Town of Comox Notice of Project related to removal of window frames and shakes from Shakesides
Closeup of the back of Shakesides showing original window frame and shakes removed.
Sorry state of Town of Comox ‘heritage’ signboard about Mack Laing behind Shakesides,June 24, 2025
Shakesides from very overgrown beach path, June 24, 2025
Shakesides path side, showing window art from 2016 after Town’s removal of window frames, June 23, 2025
Front of Shakesides from wood walkway, overgrown as never before, June 24, 2025
Side of Shakesides showing removal of window frames, done June 23, 2025
Shakesides showing removal of window frames and shakes, June 24, 2025
