Arms of Municipal Council of the Corporation of the Township of Esquimalt
Arms of Municipal Council of the Corporation of the Township of Esquimalt
Blazon
Or a pile barry wavy Argent and Azure, overall a raven of the Naden River People displayed wings inverted Sable, on a chief wavy Gules a roundel Vair between a fouled anchor and a grenade Or;
Symbolism
The V-shape symbolizes the harbour of Esquimalt surrounded by its gold shores. The raven is taken from the badge of HMCS Naden, the naval facility at Esquimalt, whose name commemorates the Naden River People, a family of the Raven Clan of the Haida Nation. The disc in vair, a heraldic fur, represents the Hudson’s Bay Company, which led to the arrival of the first European settlers. The anchor is for the Royal Navy and the grenade for the Royal Engineers who were present in the region.
Crest of Municipal Council of the Corporation of the Township of Esquimalt
Blazon
A dexter cubit arm proper vested Azure the hand grasping a trident Or shafted Gules, issuant from a naval crown Or sails Argent;
Symbolism
The naval crown pays homage to the Royal Canadian Navy whose Pacific Coast naval base is at Esquimalt. The arm holding a trident signifies defence against enemies at sea..
Motto of Municipal Council of the Corporation of the Township of Esquimalt
Blazon
ES WHOY MALTH;
Symbolism
This phrase, from which the name Esquimalt is derived, is a transcription of the term for “The place of gradually shoaling waters” in the language of the local Songhees (Lekwungen) First Nation.
