- 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 Fernie
Fernie, British Columbia
Grant of Arms, Supporters, Flags and Badge
December 15, 2003
Vol. IV, p. 341
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Azure on a fess Or, its upper edge dancetty, three lozenges Sable;
Crest
A coal car Azure bearing coal Sable resting thereon a mining pick Argent;
Supporters
Dexter a grizzly bear Or gorged with a collar of cedar Vert holding in its dexter paw a trout Argent, sinister an elk Or gorged with a like collar, its sinister foreleg resting on a crosscut saw Argent, handles Sable, the supporters standing on a grassy mound Vert set with snowflakes and dogwood flowers Argent;
Motto
IN MONTIBUS AD FLUMEN;
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Flag
Or the Badge of The Corporation of the City of Fernie, a canton of the Arms;
Badge
A lozenge Sable charged with an elk's head in trian aspect Or;
Symbolism
Arms
The gold refers both to the wealth generated from the coal and forestry industries and to the sunshine which makes Fernie an important recreational and ecotourism destination. The three “peaks” in the upper part of the shield refer to the Three Sisters, the most dramatic and famous of the Rocky Mountain formations visible from Fernie. The area of blue below the gold symbolizes the Elk River, on which Fernie is situated, and, by extension, the valley of the same name. The blue above represents the sky. The black diamonds are the traditional heraldic representation for coal and hence an important reference to the great coal mines that formed the basis of the city’s initial prosperity.
Crest
The historic and ongoing importance of the coal industry to the city is symbolized by the coal car. The pick represents both traditional methods of coal mining and the pioneer miners.
Supporters
The elk and the grizzly are common large mammals in the region, with the elk also giving its name to the valley where the city is located. The two animals also represent the rich natural heritage of Fernie’s setting. The collars of cedar refer to the local stands of cedar, the largest such trees in the province outside the Pacific coast. The trout represents the importance of the local recreational fishery, and the saw, the increasing importance of forestry. The grass in the compartment symbolizes the lands of the City itself. Fernie’s status as a British Columbian city is shown through the use of the dogwood flowers. The increasing importance of winter recreation is dramatized by the snowflakes.
Motto
Meaning “In the mountains by the river”, this is an expression of the city’s splendid setting which has so influenced its history and economy.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Badge
The badge repeats some of the colours and themes of the arms through the use of the reference to coal and to Elk Valley and River. The elk’s head is featured on the city’s current seal.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 12, 2005, in Volume 139, page 687 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Robert D. Watt, Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority
Painter
David Farrar
Calligrapher
Shirley Mangione
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
Regional, Municipal etc Government