The British Columbia Historical Federation (BCHF) is pleased to announce Chris Hay is the recipient of a 2019 Certificate of Recognition for his invaluable efforts to have the Stanley Park Rock Garden recognized as a historic site in Vancouver and nationally.
The first public garden in Vancouver, the Stanley Park Rock Garden was laid out in 1911 by master gardener John Montgomery, and was one of Stanley Park’s top attractions, but the park became neglected and gradually disappeared into the adjacent forest after the Second World War.
Chris Hay, great grandson of John Montgomery, rediscovered the rock garden when he began researching his family history. A devastating windstorm in 2006 revealed lost portions of the rock garden landscape. After years of research and lobbying by Hay, the Stanley Park Rock Garden was recognized as one of Vancouver “Places that Matter,” added to the Vancouver City Heritage Register, and listed on the Canadian Register of Historic Places.
The BC Historical Federation’s Award of Recognition is awarded to individuals who have given exceptional service to their organization or community, either for a specific project or for long service in the preservation of British Columbia’s history.
Sadly, due to the ongoing COVID-19 health situation the BCHF annual conference scheduled for June, including the awards gala, has been cancelled. Thus, the prizes are being announced early and plans are in the works for ways to honour winners during the BCHF conference in 2021, details to be announced.
