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.
Port Arthur, Ontario
Registration of Arms, Supporters and Badge
March 15, 2023
Vol. VIII, p. 149
Arms of the City of Port ArthurBlazonAzure a gateway embattled irradiated, the portcullis raised Or, issuant from a base barry wavy of six Argent and Azure; SymbolismThe Canadian Heraldic Authority does not have confirmed symbolism for this emblem. The following comments are hypotheses only. The gateway, used on a previous emblem of the city, reflects Port Arthur’s historical role as the eastern terminus of the Canadian Pacific Railway, while the water alludes to the fact that it was a port city that also served as a major transshipment location for the Great Lakes. |
CrestBlazonA lion passant Gules, its paw resting on a hurt charged with a saltire Argent, between two spruce trees Or on a mount Vert; SymbolismThe Canadian Heraldic Authority does not have confirmed symbolism for this emblem. The following comments are hypotheses only. The trees likely allude to the spruce forests north of the city and to the importance of the forestry industry in its development. |
MottoBlazonTHE GATEWAY TO THE WEST; SymbolismThis phrase alludes to the symbolism of the Arms. |
SupportersBlazonTwo moose proper each gorged with a collar Argent charged with a cross Gules between two fleurs-de-lis Azure, that to the dexter resting its hind leg on a garb fesswise Or, that to the sinister resting its hind leg on a salmon proper; SymbolismThe Canadian Heraldic Authority does not have confirmed symbolism for this emblem. The following comments are hypotheses only. The moose allude to the forests and wildlife that surround Port Arthur (today Thunder Bay). The white collars bearing a red cross and blue fleurs-de-lis are based on the label on the coat of arms of Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught, after whom the city was named. The wheat symbolizes the city’s importance to the grain trade in Canada as the location for numerous silos for the Canadian Pacific and Canadian Northern Railways. The salmon possibly refers to the Port Arthur Hatchery and to the area’s tradition of sport fishing. |
Badge of the City of Port ArthurBlazonA sun in splendour Gules charged with a gateway embattled, the portcullis raised, Or; SymbolismThe sun and the gate relate to the symbolism of the Arms. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationSince 2023, grants, registrations and approvals of heraldic emblems are no longer announced in the Canada Gazette.  |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of John Brooke-Little, Bluemantle Pursuivant at the College of Arms, London. PainterArtist of the College of Arms, London / Artiste du Collège d’armes, Londres CalligrapherNot applicable Recipient TypeCivil Institution Other InformationThe recipient’s emblems were originally recorded at the College of Arms, London, England, 10 June 1963. |