Following decisions from the December 1st Regular Council Meeting, the Town of Comox Council has approved plans for submission to the courts to move forward on development adjustments to the Mack Laing Nature Park. The ‘Shakesides’ property resides within the Great Comox Midden on the sacred territory of the K’ómoks First Nations (KFN).
After prior consultation with the public and KFN, Council is moving forward with plans to build a viewing platform in place of the current Shakesides property. The general design of the platform was reached through a public-select committee of Town residents. The changes, approved by Council, recognize an increased understanding of our shared history with the First Nations community, and our responsibility to recognize and respect that when considering our history.
In addition to our shared history, rising water levels, increased construction costs, and infrastructure decline have brought limited options for the property. The viewing platform will provide residents and visitors an opportunity to learn about the natural history of the area through interpretive panels, while respecting the legacy of Mack Laing and celebrating the history of KFN.
“Mack Laing was a prominent settler to the Comox area, and we intend to honour his legacy,” said Mayor Russ Arnott. “Building a viewing platform on the Shakesides property will not only ensure long-term minimal disruption of the natural landscape within the Great Comox Midden but does so with respect and guidance provided by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).”
If approved through a trust variation, the Mack Laing Trust Fund will financially support part of the development. Council has budgeted additional costs for site preparation, house demolition, and landscape and trail restoration.