- 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.
Municipal Council of the Corporation of the Township of Esquimalt
Esquimalt, British Columbia
Registration of Arms
July 15, 2020
Vol. VII, p. 270
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Or a pile barry wavy Argent and Azure, overall a raven of the Naden River People displayed wings inverted Sable, on a chief wavy Gules a roundel Vair between a fouled anchor and a grenade Or;
Crest
A dexter cubit arm proper vested Azure the hand grasping a trident Or shafted Gules, issuant from a naval crown Or sails Argent;
Motto
ES WHOY MALTH;
Symbolism
Arms
The V-shape symbolizes the harbour of Esquimalt surrounded by its gold shores. The raven is taken from the badge of HMCS Naden, the naval facility at Esquimalt, whose name commemorates the Naden River People, a family of the Raven Clan of the Haida Nation. The disc in vair, a heraldic fur, represents the Hudson’s Bay Company, which led to the arrival of the first European settlers. The anchor is for the Royal Navy and the grenade for the Royal Engineers who were present in the region.
Crest
The naval crown pays homage to the Royal Canadian Navy whose Pacific Coast naval base is at Esquimalt. The arm holding a trident signifies defence against enemies at sea..
Motto
This phrase, from which the name Esquimalt is derived, is a transcription of the term for “The place of gradually shoaling waters” in the language of the local Songhees (Lekwungen) First Nation.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 27, 2021, in Volume 155, page 1317 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Alan Beddoe.
Painter
Artist of the College of Arms, London / Artiste du Collège d’armes, Londres
Calligrapher
* Not applicable / Sans objet
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
Government
The recipient’s emblems were originally recorded at the College of Arms, London, England, 7 October 1956.
Image provided by the Township of Esquimalt.