- 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 Royal Architectural Institute of Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
Grant of a Badge for use by the Governor General’s Medals in Architecture
February 15, 2018
Vol. VII, p. 51
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Badge
A hurt charged with a lion sejant on a rocky mount between two oak trees fructed, wearing a coronet erablé and holding in its dexter paw a compass, all within an annulus Or inscribed in base with the Motto in letters Azure;
Motto
IN ARCHITECTURA EXCELLENTIAM AESTIMARE;
Symbolism
Badge
The lion is the symbol of the Governor General of Canada, on behalf of whom the medals are awarded, while blue and gold are the colours of the flag of the Governor General. The crown indicates that the program is administered by the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, and its maple leaves indicate that this is a Canadian award. The compass is an indispensable tool for an architect. The rocky base and the trees represent two of the most common construction materials, stone and wood, and evoke a landscape. The oak tree, symbolizing sturdiness and excellence, expresses the ideas of shelter and protection.
Motto
This Latin phrase means “Recognizing excellence in architecture,” which is the purpose of the medals.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on November 17, 2018, in Volume 152, page 3857 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Manon Labelle, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Eva Pilar-Cass
Calligrapher
Doris Wionzek
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
Non-Profit Organization