Cross Cancer birdhouse debate ruffles feathers

The debate over a birdhouse is ruffling some feathers in Edmonton.

Paul Chaisson’s mother gave him a birdhouse as a gift in 2008 before she passed away from lung cancer, and he has been building them ever since. Chaisson wants to put one outside the Cross Cancer Institute for other patients and family members to enjoy.

"I thought it would be a nice thing to put a birdhouse up near a place where the patients could sit outside and watch," Chaisson said.

But Chaisson’s request was turned down after management cited maintenance concerns.

"The biggest thing for us was the maintenance of the object, the birdhouse, and who would be responsible for that," said Scott Fielding, executive director of the Cross Cancer Institute.

Chaisson has offered to maintain it himself, but staff say that presents a liability concern in case of injuries – reasoning Chaisson says he can’t comprehend.

"You wouldn’t even need a ladder to install it, step and two screws and its done," Chaisson said.

Management also say they receive so many memorial requests that they just can’t honor them all. Staff have agreed to work with Chaisson to find a way he can honor his mother and other cancer patients, but maintain that the birdhouse is out.

The Cross Cancer Institute does have donor walls for those making financial donations of $5,000 or more. People can also volunteer at the facility or help purchase new medical equipment which can be outfitted with memorial plaques.

With files from Julie Matthews.