Author: adminml

  • Mack Laing’s wishes ignored – Comox Council votes to go to court to overturn Trust

    On February 1, 2017 (ironically, just 4 days before Mack Laing’s birthday) Comox Council voted to go to BC Supreme Court to overturn the Hamilton Mack Laing Trust, ignore the wishes expressed in Laing’s Will, and violate the intention of a generous, nationally famous naturalist and environmentalist. Not included in the report to Council is…

  • Support continues to grow to save Shakesides

    The Mack Laing Society continues to gather support to prevent the demolition of Mack Laing’s last home, Shakesides, and to adapt it into a nature museum, as stated in his Will, and in the Trust agreement he signed with the Town of Comox. To date, over 900 people have signed a petition to save Shakesides…

  • What a year! MLHS looks back on 2016 …

    The MLHS wishes everyone a very happy holiday season, with sincere thanks for your support. A pdf of the photo montage below may be downloaded HERE: 2016mlhsmontagehires Note: The bench seen in the lower right of the montage, next to the trillium, was hand built by Mack Laing. It was photographed on the front porch…

  • Shakesides receives Historic Statement of Significance

    Well known heritage consultants Elana Zysblat and John Atkin have recently completed an evaluation of the significance of Shakesides, the Comox residence of Hamilton Mack Laing. Elana and John are experienced heritage consultants, well-known in British Columbia for their engagement with communities, leadership in public programs and tours related to local heritage topics, historical research,…

  • The power of words – and how they are used

    Re: “Bias not a dirty word, says ex-councillor”, The CV Record, July 26, 2016. Let’s talk about words. As a former leader of the BC Liberals and Comox ex-councillor, you will be well aware of the power of words and how they can be used to incite or defame. Going back to your September 2014…

  • Baybrook Memorial – August 6, 2016

    Baybrook: 1923-2015 The plaque on the memorial cairn behind Shakesides in Mack Laing Nature Park quotes Henry David Thoreau. Thoreau and Mack Laing had much in common. Laing carved his Baybrook property from old growth forest, then in 1923, he bought and built an Aladdin Reddi-Cut kit house. These houses are listed in the heritage…

  • MLHS thanks John Duncan

    Members of the MLHS were happy to be given the opportunity to thank former MP John Duncan for his support as it attempted to save Baybrook for public use as a nature interpretive centre. Two MLHS members attended the official retirement party for Mr Duncan at Mt. Washington, Saturday, July 30, 2016. Thanks to the…

  • Message received: Positive response

    The MLHS had a display on Comox Ave during the first three days of the Filberg Festival and had wonderful conversations with a lot of people from the Comox Valley and elsewhere. The majority were aware of the Shakesides saga and all were disgusted and saddened that elected officials could be behaving in a manner…