- 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.
Ville de Sorel-Tracy
Sorel-Tracy, Quebec
Grant of Arms and Supporters
May 15, 2023
Vol. VIII, p. 184
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Azure a rope of two strands palewise splayed fesswise at the chief line Argent, on a chief wavy Vert three cogwheels Argent;
Crest
A wooden fortress gate and palisade proper;
Supporters
Two great blue herons standing on a bog proper;
Motto
BÂTISSEURS DE FIERTÉ;
Symbolism
Arms
Blue, green and white are the emblematic colours of the city. The intertwined wavy lines represent the confluence of the Richelieu and St. Lawrence rivers, where the city is located. They also evoke the amalgamation of the cities of Sorel and Tracy into a community with strong bonds of solidarity. The gears symbolize the region’s industrial history and the fact that Sorel-Tracy remains an important site in the steel and metallurgy industries.
Crest
The wooden fortress wall evokes the mural crowns used with the coats of arms of the former cities of Sorel and Tracy. It symbolizes the history of the city tied to Fort Richelieu, built in 1642, which marked the beginning of the French presence on the territory, and that of the Carignan-Salières Regiment, whose members made up the majority of the inhabitants who established the seigneury of Saurel (later Sorel) in the 17th century.
Supporters
The herons and marshy ground represent the Lac Saint Pierre World Biosphere Reserve in the Sorel-Tracy region.
Motto
This French phrase, meaning “Builders of pride,” emphasizes the pride that the residents of Sorel-Tracy have in their history and heritage. It also refers to the builders of the many shipyards that have marked the city’s history.
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 Alix Chartrand, Saguenay Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Palina Klimava
Calligrapher
Kathy Feig
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
Regional, Municipal etc Government