A Comox Valley historic site will have a viewing platform added to it.
At the May 21 council meeting, the Town of Comox passed a motion to proceed with construction of a viewing platform on the Shakesides house, the former home of naturalist Hamilton “Mack” Laing.
A fundraiser was launched at the beginning of May by the Merville Community Association to relocate the building to their site, but the submission faced a significant funding shortfall.
Chief Administrative Officer Jordan Wall said as a result, council has decided to not endorse the relocation of the structure.
“While 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.”
The motion passed by council was in accordance with a B.C. Supreme Court order and the directive from the Attorney General of British Columbia.
The new viewing platform will offer views of Goose Spit and provide and accessible place to observe local wildlife and learn about the area’s natural environment and Indigenous heritage once completed.
Mack Laing had expressed a deep connection to the view in journals for more than 50 years, with the new platform aiming to preserve and share the same vista with future generations.
