City of Vancouver

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.

Vancouver, British Columbia
Registration of Arms, Supporters and Badge
March 20, 2025
Vol. VIII, p. 367

Arms of the City of Vancouver
Arms of the City of Vancouver
Badge of the City of Vancouver
 
Arms of the City of Vancouver

Arms of the City of Vancouver

Blazon

Barry wavy of eight Azure and Argent on a chief Or two dogwood flowers proper, overall on a pile Vert a Kwakiutl totem pole of an eagle, grizzly bear and halibut Or;

Symbolism

The Pacific dogwood is the floral emblem of British Columbia. The Kwakiutl (Kwakwaka'wakw) totem pole alludes to the Indigenous people of British Columbia. The wavy blue and white bands represent the Pacific Ocean.

Crest

Blazon

A ship’s fore royal mast sail unfurled proper pennon flying Vert, all issuant from a mural crown per pale Or and Azure;

Symbolism

The mural crown symbolizes municipal authority. The ship’s sail represents Vancouver’s coastal location and its role as a seaport.

Motto

Blazon

BY SEA LAND AND AIR WE PROSPER;

Symbolism

BY SEA LAND AND AIR WE PROSPER.

Supporters

Blazon

Dexter a lumberman holding a felling axe blade in base, sinister a fisherman holding a salmon net set with wood floats proper;

Symbolism

The logger and the fisherman represent the first industries of Vancouver.
Badge of the City of Vancouver

Badge of the City of Vancouver

Blazon

A felling axe and an oar in saltire proper enfiling a mural crown per pale Or and Azure;

Symbolism

The mural crown is taken from the Crest, while the axe and the oar allude to the Supporters.
 

Background

Canada Gazette Information

Since 2023, grants, registrations and approvals of heraldic emblems are no longer announced in the Canada Gazette.

Letters patent registering the heraldic emblems of the City of VancouverLetters patent registering the heraldic emblem of the City of Vancouver

Additional Information

Creator(s)

Original concept of the College of Arms, London.

Painter

Artist of the College of Arms, London / Artiste du Collège d’armes, Londres

Calligrapher

Not applicable

Recipient Type

Civil Institution

Other Information

The recipient’s emblems were originally recorded at the College of Arms, London, England, 31 March 1969.

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