A South Surrey man who became the voice of the Semiahmoo Heritage Trail was honoured this week with a Friends of Heritage Award for his efforts.
Jack Monk was recognized Monday at Surrey City Hall as a steward of civic heritage.
Thinking back on how he got involved, Monk said standing up for heritage was not a role he’d ever planned on playing.
“Not a bit,” the 83-year-old said.
“It grew on us gradually. We got very much involved starting in 2003.”
That’s when Monk – whose home backs onto the trail – and others attended a developer’s information meeting about a townhouse project proposed to abut the trail, which stretches from 20 Avenue just west of 152 Street, south to the Nicomekl River.
They learned that if the project went ahead as proposed – with 51 townhomes and 95 parking stalls – it would result in the loss of more than 200 trees, including many significant trees from the trail itself.
“When (the developer) told us there’d be no trees left, we decided that was the time to start,” Monk said. “A couple of us decided to take it on.”
The determination didn’t stop the project from proceeding, but it did lead to the developer scaling it back a bit. Approximately 30 of the trees were saved, a result Monk describes as “a small victory.”
“It gave us intent to carry on.”
The effort gave birth to the Friends of the Semiahmoo Heritage Trail, a group that, to this day, works to preserve the trail in its natural state and educate others on its value. Along the way, members have removed hundreds of invasive species and replanted an equal, if not greater, number of native trees and shrubs.
Today, the trail draws all manner of locals to meander its gently winding path.
More than a century ago, it served as a connection between New Westminster and what is now Blaine. Constructed by early settlers around 1872, it has since been built over “many times in many places,” Monk said.
In the years since that first effort, Monk has helped defend the four-kilometre stretch of trail against “five or six” developments, including a four-storey seniors complex proposed by Star of the Sea Parish in 2007. He also joined Surrey’s Heritage Advisory Commission, helping make decisions on heritage preservation in the city.
Due to health concerns, Monk is no longer active with the groups, but he’s quick to share credit for the successes achieved during his tenure.
“Others worked… every bit as much as I do. I happened to be more visible,” Monk said. “I guess I was a spokesman in many ways.”
Monday’s award is “not just for me, but for all the members.”
Friends’ member Ellen Neal described Monk as “the guy that has kept this trail going.” She and scores of others filed into Surrey council chambers Monday night to share in the celebration, during which Monk made a point of thanking city staff for their role in inspiring him to do what he did.
Prior to the meeting, Monk told Peace Arch News there are “some real standouts amongst them.”
Monk is hopeful members of the younger generation will step up to continue the work along the trail. The bulk of those who tend to it now are seniors.
“We don’t have enough kids on the trail cleanups. That’s what’s needed,” he said. “So many of us are dropping off the top end. There must be some way to capture that group.”
Opportunity to help
For those interested in helping out, the next trail clean-up takes place Saturday. Everyone is welcome to turn out between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. to help remove invasive plants and replant native species. Those planning to participate should meet where the trail crosses 24 Avenue, just west of 152 Street, and dress for the weather. Tools, gloves and refreshments will be provided. For info, call 604-536-6945.
Six others celebrated in Surrey
Aside from Monk, seven other Surrey residents were recognized with heritage awards Monday.
Other recipients included Patrick and Susan Harrison, for their commitment to maintaining the historic character and integrity of the Collishaw House; John MacDonald, for researching and documenting the 1861 Kennedy Trail and producing an informational map; Brian Croft, for highlighting Cloverdale’s historic town centre through artwork titled Cloverdale 1913; Victoria Parr, for contributions toward preserving Surrey’s history by recording 35 interviews with longtime residents and donating the tapes to the Surrey Archives; and Philip Aguire, of Old Surrey Restaurant, for his significant contribution toward the preservation of the Burkart House.