Badge of Canadian Forces Base Ottawa-Gatineau

Blazon

Per fess Argent and Azure a fess patté per fess Vert and Argent masoned Vert between two martlets counterchanged, the wings of each forming a maple leaf, all within the Bases and Stations Badge Frame;

Symbolism

Blue, green and white are the emblematic colours of both Ottawa and Gatineau, the cities served by the base. The martlet is a mythical bird that has no feet and never lands, symbolizing here the fact that the base is always in operation. As a songbird, it alludes to the communication services provided by the base. Two martlets are depicted to highlight the bilingual character of its personnel. The wings shaped like maple leaves, making them Canadian martlets, indicate that its services are offered to units across the country. The stone arch represents the Rideau Canal and its many bridges, and by extension, Ottawa. It also embodies the base’s role of bridging together various military units as it processes all their service requests. By its mechanism of support, the bridge refers to the motto. The curved green shape represents the Gatineau Valley and the city of that name. It also alludes to a canoe, recalling the region’s history as a portage and trading place, and embodying the base’s services in transport, equipment and personnel relocation.