- The Governor General of Canada
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.
The Corporation of the City of Hamilton
Hamilton, Ontario
Registration of Arms and Supporters
January 20, 2023
Vol. VIII, p. 140
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Blazon
Arms
Azure on a fess wavy Argent between a paddle steamer in full sail issuant therefrom proper and in base a beehive beset with eleven bees Or, a beaver proper;
Crest
A demi-sun Or issuant from clouds proper within a coronet Or of cinquefoils Azure;
Supporters
Dexter a stag proper sinister a lion guardant Or each charged on the shoulder with a pierced cinquefoil Ermine;
Motto
I ADVANCE;
Motto
COMMERCE • PRUDENCE • INDUSTRY;
Symbolism
Arms
The Canadian Heraldic Authority does not have confirmed symbolism for this emblem. The following comments are hypotheses only. The design is based on a coat of arms assumed by the city in the early 19th century. The beaver is a traditional Canadian symbol, while the beehive likely represents industriousness and hard work. The wavy band and the paddle steamer allude to Hamilton’s status as a port city.
Crest
The cinquefoil is the emblem of the Scottish Clan Hamilton and therefore alludes to the city’s founder, George Hamilton.
Supporters
The stag is a creature found in the Dundas Valley. The cinquefoil repeats the symbolism of the Crest.
Motto
I ADVANCE.
Motto
These words represent important values for the city.