Arms of the City of Port Arthur
Arms of the City of Port Arthur
Blazon
Azure a gateway embattled irradiated, the portcullis raised Or, issuant from a base barry wavy of six Argent and Azure;
Symbolism
The 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.
Crest of the City of Port Arthur
Blazon
A lion passant Gules, its paw resting on a hurt charged with a saltire Argent, between two spruce trees Or on a mount Vert;
Symbolism
The 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.
Motto of the City of Port Arthur
Blazon
THE GATEWAY TO THE WEST;
Symbolism
This phrase alludes to the symbolism of the Arms.
Supporters of the City of Port Arthur
Blazon
Two 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;
Symbolism
The 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.
