- 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.
City of Port Arthur
Port Arthur, Ontario
Registration of Arms, Supporters and Badge
March 15, 2023
Vol. VIII, p. 149
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Azure a gateway embattled irradiated, the portcullis raised Or, issuant from a base barry wavy of six Argent and Azure;
Crest
A lion passant Gules, its paw resting on a hurt charged with a saltire Argent, between two spruce trees Or on a mount Vert;
Supporters
Two moose proper each gorged with a collar Argent charged with a cross Gules between two fleurs-de-lis Azure, that to the dexter resting its hind leg on a garb fesswise Or, that to the sinister resting its hind leg on a salmon proper;
Motto
THE GATEWAY TO THE WEST;
Badge
A sun in splendour Gules charged with a gateway embattled, the portcullis raised, Or;
Symbolism
Arms
The Canadian Heraldic Authority does not have confirmed symbolism for this emblem. The following comments are hypotheses only. The gateway, used on a previous emblem of the city, reflects Port Arthur’s historical role as the eastern terminus of the Canadian Pacific Railway, while the water alludes to the fact that it was a port city that also served as a major transshipment location for the Great Lakes.
Crest
The Canadian Heraldic Authority does not have confirmed symbolism for this emblem. The following comments are hypotheses only. The trees likely allude to the spruce forests north of the city and to the importance of the forestry industry in its development.
Supporters
The Canadian Heraldic Authority does not have confirmed symbolism for this emblem. The following comments are hypotheses only. The moose allude to the forests and wildlife that surround Port Arthur (today Thunder Bay). The white collars bearing a red cross and blue fleurs-de-lis are based on the label on the coat of arms of Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught, after whom the city was named. The wheat symbolizes the city’s importance to the grain trade in Canada as the location for numerous silos for the Canadian Pacific and Canadian Northern Railways. The salmon possibly refers to the Port Arthur Hatchery and to the area’s tradition of sport fishing.
Motto
This phrase alludes to the symbolism of the Arms.
Badge
The sun and the gate relate to the symbolism of the Arms.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on January 1, 1900, in Volume 0, page 0 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of John Brooke-Little, Bluemantle Pursuivant at the College of Arms, London.
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, 10 June 1963.