LEGAL

The Attorney General's office has requested an extension of the court filings until September 4, 2019. This has been granted by the other two parties (MLHS and the Town of Comox). The MLHS can submit evidence and affidavits until August 7, 2019. To date, 16 more affidavits have been filed (the last ones were filed in October 2018), 15 by MLHS and one by a party to the discussions about the use of Shakesides, before and after Mack Laing's death. More affidavits are being prepared for submission to the court.

On April 5, 2019, K'omoks First Nation (KFN) Chief Nicole Rempel sent a strongly worded letter to the Town of Comox, noting that the Town has made decisions on matters relating to Mack Laing Park without any consultation with KFN. This concerns KFN because a large a midden and burial grounds exist in that area. Municipalities are required to consult with local First Nations when anything impacts their traditional, unceded land - this is BC law. KFN has also written to the Attorney General about the matter. KFN stated that they must be consulted before any further plans or any work commences in either Mack Laing Park or the Shakesides viewpoint.

Later in April, Gordon Olsen and Jim Boulter of MLHS made a presentation to KFN Council, outlining an alternate plan to the ToC's for Shakesides (the ToC wishes to  demolish the house and build a viewing platform). They received a warm reception and answered many excellent questions. Letters of thanks for the opportunity to speak about this matter were sent to KFN.

OTHER NEWS

MLHS is continuing to collect signatures on their petition to save Shakesides. The level of interest and knowledge of the  issue is very encouraging. MLHS has also gathered over 100 supporters, contractors, and others, willing to supply materials and/or expertise for the restoration of Shakesides as a nature house.

A pooled trust has been set up for supporters who wish to donate a sum of money for the restoration. Should the project not go forward, the money will be returned to the donors.

It should be noted that the ToC has budgeted $200k for the creation of their proposed viewing platform, money which could be better employed for either the restoration of Shakesides (added to the Mack Laing Trust, which now amounts to over $250k), or the removal of invasive species in the park for which they are responsible. Local invasive species expert Ernie Sellentin has stated his concerns about the state of the ML Nature Park, which also impacts adjoining McDonald Wood, which has a regular invasives removal program.
 

ANNOUNCEMENTS
 

Trevor Marc Hughes has edited one of Mack Laing's unpublished manuscripts. 'Riding the Continent' is being published by Ronsdale Press. Richard Mackie, author of the only biography of Mack Laing, wrote the forward. The first person account by Laing was titled 'The Transcontinentalist' and is a detailed account of his motorcycle trip from New York City to Oregon in the early 1920s.  Laing rode the first Harley Davidson motorcycle model produced. The book was introduced at a special reading on June 11 at the Courtenay Museum, and will offered for sale in July.

On Saturday, June 22nd, MLHS will join a community yard sale at the townhouse development at 2140- 20th Street, Courtenay (west of Willemar). Our tables will be at #27, at the end of the street. Artwork, collectibles, books and other quality tems will be offered for sale. This is a fundraiser for the MLHS.

The MLHS will hold its ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING on Wednesday, June 26, 2019, from 4 pm to 6 pm in the Courtenay Library Meeting Room. Everyone is welcome.