- 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.
Town of Gander
Gander, Newfoundland
Grant of Arms
October 15, 1993
Vol. II, p. 284
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Argent a hurt surmounted by a Gander (Branta canadensis) volant proper in base two bars wavy Azure;
Crest
Rising out of a representation of clouds proper a four bladed aircraft propeller Azure garnished Argent;
Motto
VOLET GANDER. This Latin phrase means "May Gander fly";
Symbolism
Arms
The gander (male goose) is a canting reference to the town’s name. The disc is a reference to the roundels used in the emblems of the various air forces that have operated out of Gander. At the base of the shield are stylized waves referring both to Gander Lake, for which the town is named, and to the Atlantic Ocean and Gander’s strategic location as a base for transatlantic flights. The dominant colours of the arms, blue and white, represent sky, water and clouds.
Crest
The airplane propeller resting on a representation of clouds alludes to the importance of aviation in the development of the community.
Motto
This Latin phrase means “Let Gander fly.” It refers to the town’s link with aviation and invokes the idea of progress and success.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 19, 1994, in Volume 128, page 1684 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Charles Maier, Athabaska Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Robert Grey
Calligrapher
Nancy Ellis
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
Regional, Municipal etc Government
The gander (male goose) is a canting reference to the town’s name. The disc is a reference to the roundels used in the emblems of the various air forces that have operated out of Gander. At the base of the shield are stylized waves referring both to Gander Lake, for which the town is named, and to the Atlantic Ocean and Gander’s strategic location as a base for transatlantic flights. The dominant colours of the arms, blue and white, represent sky, water and clouds.