Dear Editor,
I cannot understand why the Comox Mayor and council wish to demolish Mack Laing’s historic home “Shakesides.”
The Merville Community Association (MCA) has offered to relocate the house Merville (at no cost to taxpayers), where it will be refurbished, reused and appreciated.
Mack Laing is recognized as a significant Canadian. He was a gifted writer, authoring many books about natural history and travel. Laing became an expert field naturalist and top ornithologist. In addition, he was a skilled artist, photographer and carpenter.
I have a personal connection to Laing, who was a good friend and neighbour of my grandfather Allan Brooks, an internationally renowned wildlife artist. In the 1920s Brooks built a house in Comox. He convinced his friend Laing to purchase property in Comox also.
Laing continued the friendship with my parents Betty and Allan Brooks Jr. and we often visited Shakesides. Mack was a wonderful, intelligent person, with ideas ahead of his time. He mentored many local young people, teaching about birds and natural history. He was a good family friend.
Allan Brooks Sr. spent considerable time in the Okanagan, studying the bird life there. Today, the Allan Brooks Nature Centre occupies a prominent position above Vernon and is central to the community. The Centre is now celebrating 25 years of educating thousands of children and adults on the unique creatures and ecosystems of the North Okanagan.
While Vernon celebrates the legacy of Allan Brooks, Comox has done little to promote and celebrate Mack Laing’s legacy. Laing left his home and property to the town of Comox, and specified in his will for the house to be a “Natural History Museum.” Since Laing’s death in 1982, his home has been used for no purpose other than rental income.
The MCA takes an active interest in saving heritage buildings. They have successfully refurbished the “Manse” and “Stolen Church.” Why is Comox opposed to the MCA plan? In Merville, Shakesides will be saved as community asset, which Laing intended.
Jocie Brooks
Comox Valley
