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Rockcliffe Park, Ontario
Grant of Arms
October 12, 1995
Vol. III, p. 58
Arms of Victor Jura WilgressBlazonPer fess wavy Azure and Or in chief a Golden Retriever its dexter paw resting on an anchor Or and in base a stone bridge of two arches Azure masoned Argent charged with a wild boar's head erased Or; SymbolismThe blue and yellow were chosen by Mr. Wilgress and relate to the sea, where most of his war service occurred. The wavy line recalls Captain Edward P. Wilgress (1781-1866) of Lachine, founder of the Canadian Wilgresses. The golden retriever is Mr. Wilgress’ favourite breed and honours the family dog. The anchor held in the dog’s paw is a reference to Mr. Wilgress’ service in the Royal Canadian Navy. The bridge pays homage to Mr. Wilgress’ father, as a symbol for his diplomatic work. The boar’s head refers to the middle-English meaning of Wilgress, that is, “wild grise” or wild boar. |
CrestBlazonIssuant from a coronet rim set with towers alternating with maple leaves Or a fan of five ostrich plumes Argent shafts Azure; SymbolismThe crest is based on a distinctive version of the plume emblem used by the Wilgress family. The castle towers refer to an element found in the arms of Mr. Wilgress’ mother, and the maple leaves symbolize Canada. |
MottoBlazonAUDIO SED TACEO; SymbolismThis Latin phrase means “I listen but I keep silent” and is taken from a signet ring worn by the members of the Wilgress family. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on November 23, 1996 in Volume 130, page 3279 of the Canada Gazette.  |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept by Robert D. Watt, Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority PainterJoan Bouwmeester CalligrapherJoan Bouwmeester Recipient TypeIndividual |