Ottawa (October 10, 2008) - Mayor Larry O’Brien and Councillor Bob Monette today unveiled a plaque at the ice arena of the Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex – Orléans, commemorating the life and achievements of Roger A. Sénécal.

For more than 30 years, Mr. Sénécal, who passed away in 2002, devoted countless hours of volunteer service to recreational and competitive hockey for youth in Gloucester, as well as to many other community organizations.

Mr. Sénécal started out as a dedicated hockey dad after he and his wife Jeannine moved their family from Montréal to Beacon Hill in 1969, and from that beginning he became involved in every aspect of youth hockey. His own children grew up and moved on, but he continued to put in long hours for the kids playing hockey in the east end.

“Ottawa’s commemorative naming program provides us with an opportunity to recognize and honour residents like Roger Sénécal who have made a huge impact on the quality of life for so many people in our City,” said Mayor Larry O’Brien. “Mr. Sénécal’s spirit of enthusiasm and co-operation inspired everyone who had the privilege to meet him.”

“Roger always believed in giving back to his community. ‘Mr. GHA’ was extremely generous with his time and talents, and he always had a knack for accommodating everyone and finding consensus. To this day he is keenly missed,” said Councillor Monette.

Mayor O’Brien and Councillor Monette were joined in the plaque unveiling ceremony by Roger’s son René Sénécal; René Cloutier, a close friend of Mr. Sénécal; and other members of Mr. Sénécal’s family.

The naming of the Roger Sénécal Arena is part of the City’s Commemorative Naming Program, which outlines the criteria and processes for naming municipal streets, parks and facilities after outstanding Ottawa residents.

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