- 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.
Municipalité de Saint-Charles-de-Bellechasse
Saint-Charles-de-Bellechasse, Quebec
Grant of Arms, Supporters, and Flag
October 15, 2001
Vol. IV, p. 141
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Azure on a fess bretessed between in chief two hunting horns and in base a church steeple Argent, a bar wavy Vert;
Crest
Issuant from a circle the upper rim set alternately with garbs and maple leaves Or, an open book Argent bound Azure;
Supporters
Two stags on a grassy mound proper;
Motto
CE QUI SERA EST DÉJÀ;
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Symbolism
Arms
The blue, white and green colours are those of the logo used by the municipality. These colours, when combined, give the arms a modern look. The crenellated band symbolises the railway constructed by the Grand Trunk and which promoted economic development and communication. It also underscores the status of Saint-Charles-de-Bellechasse as a hub for the provision and export of goods in the region over many years. The wavy band refers to the particular geographic site of the municipality and to the Boyer River, which spans its entire length from east to west. The combination of the two bands therefore represents the two major original means of communication. The hunting horns allude to the name Bellechasse (literally “good hunt”). Moreover, the horns are stylized heraldic figures associated with the world of regulated aristocratic hunting since the Middle Ages. The steeple recognizes the role of the curés as the main agents behind the development of Saint-Charles-de-Bellechasse in social, religious and educational fields for more than 200 years. The steeple also recalls the parish’s patron saint, St. Charles Borromeo, Cardinal of Milan.
Crest
The book attests to the fact that public schools have existed in Saint-Charles-de-Bellechasse for 250 years. The coronet of wheat sheaves and maple leaves indicates that the basic means of development and subsistence of the town has been agriculture. It further refers to the flourmills and sawmills that are part of the past and present history of the town. The maple leaves underline the importance of the forestry and the maple syrup industries.
Supporters
The stags are a reference to the arms of Seigneur Charles Couillard de Beaumont, after whom the town was named.
Motto
Meaning “What will be is here now”, this phrase was chosen by the town’s arms committee.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on February 22, 2003, in Volume 137, page 518 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Claire Boudreau, Saint-Laurent Herald, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority
Painter
Linda Nicholson
Calligrapher
Judith Bainbridge
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
Regional, Municipal etc Government