- The Governor General of Canada
The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.
John Joseph Arena
King City, Ontario
Grant of Arms
January 20, 1997
Vol. III, p. 149
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Azure two piles issuant from chief and one from base Argent each charged with a goblet Gules;
Crest
On a wall of bricks Gules masoned Argent decked with four roses Argent seeded Or barbed Vert a beaver sejeant erect Or grasping in the dexter forepaw a goblet its sinister forepaw resting on a bow Gules, stringed Or;
Motto
AIM HIGH;
Symbolism
Arms
The “W” shape formed by three triangles refers to Winston’s restaurant in Toronto, which became, under Mr. Arena’s care, one of the great institutes of its type in Canada. The goblets celebrate knowledge and promotion of fine wines. The repetition of the goblets represents the three pillars of Mr. Arena’s life: family, entrepreneurship and public service.
Crest
The wall is a double reference, to arms associated with Kleyer, Mrs. Arena’s family, and to Mr. Arena’s career as a builder in several fields. The four roses refer to Mr. Arena’s four children, using the traditional white rose of York, the early name for Toronto. The beaver is a classic Canadian symbol for industriousness and perseverance. The goblet repeats the theme of the shield. The bow signifies Mr. Arena’s preparedness to fight for his beliefs and projects and to an earlier emblem that he received from Cronista Rey de Armas.
Motto
AIM HIGH.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on November 22, 1997, in Volume 131, page 3590 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Robert D. Watt, Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Gordon Macpherson
Calligrapher
Nancy Ellis
Recipient Information
Individual