Naturalist Mack Laing's cabin, known to many as Shakesides, will not be moved to the Merville Community Hall.
Instead, the cabin will be replaced with a viewing platform. The decision was made at the May 25 council meeting, when council passed a motion to proceed with the construction of a viewing platform at the site. The decision was made in accordance to a B.C. Supreme Court order, and a directive from the Attorney General of British Columbia.
The Merville Community Association had floated an idea about moving the cabin, which it presented to the town and through the Comox Valley Record. The idea presented was to relocate the building through a fundraising initiative. However, the proposal had not been approved by the town of Comox, and would have required a change to the application through the Supreme Court, and resulted in funding and timing issues. Council decided it would not be feasible to proceed in that direction.
"the proposal's submission faces a significant funding shortfall and does not allow for appropriate considerations within the bounds of the legal order and the project timelines. Council has therefore resolved not to endorse the relocation of the structure," a release from the Town of Comox says.
鈥淭he decision to move forward with the viewing platform reflects a long and thoughtful process, rooted in community and K'贸moks First Nation consultation,鈥� said the Town鈥檚 Chief Administrative Officer, Jordan Wall. 鈥淲hile we appreciate the passion and interest shown by those who came forward with this alternative idea, the Town is committed to fulfilling the legal order and delivering a meaningful public amenity in the space beloved by Mack Laing.鈥�
Councillor Ken Grant said that the cost of moving the building would be too much of a tax burden on residents who just saw a 9 per cent tax increase in 2025. Grant said that "it's unfortunate to me that they didn't show up two or three years ago with this concept. We might have been able to work with it, but they basically came about four months in advance, and there's just no time to make the change at this point."
Once completed, the new viewing platform will offer views of Goose Spit and provide an accessible place for visitors to observe local wildlife and learn about the area鈥檚 natural environment and Indigenous heritage. Interpretive signage will reflect both ecological values and the historical contributions of Mack Laing and the K鈥櫭砿oks First Nation.
Laing was a a prominent naturalist and writer, expressed a deep connection to the view, which he referenced in his journals for more than 50 years.
"The new platform aims to preserve and share that same vista with future generations," the release from the town says.
