- 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 Norfolk County
Simcoe, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Supporters and Badge
February 20, 2004
Vol. IV, p. 355
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Vert an Eastern dogwood flower (Cornus florida) Argent seeded Or, on a chief Or three tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) leaves Vert;
Crest
Issuant from a circlet set on the upper edge with yellow perch addorsed Or, the Long Point lighthouse proper;
Supporters
Two hooded warblers (Wilsonia critrina) proper, that to the dexter holding in its beak an ear of wheat, that to the sinister holding in its beak an ear of rye Or, both standing on a sandy mound set on waves and charged with tobacco leaves proper;
Motto
HISTORY • HERITAGE • DIVERSITY;
Badge
On a pomme an Eastern dogwood flower (Cornus florida) Argent seeded Or;
Symbolism
Arms
Green and gold are the colours used by Norfolk County, appropriate for a municipality with a largely agricultural base. The dogwood flower is a feature of the Carolinian forest, and it appeared on the arms granted to the former Town of Simcoe, as well as on the assumed arms of Norfolk Township. The tulip tree leaf is also a feature of the Carolinian forest, and it is used here for the first time in Canadian heraldry.
Crest
The perch indicate the sport fishing important to the region. The Long Point lighthouse, built in 1916 at the tip of Long Point peninsula in Lake Erie, is a local architectural landmark.
Supporters
In Canada, the hooded warbler is found only in Norfolk County, which makes the appearance of these beautiful birds unique in Canadian heraldry. The ears of grain they hold and the tobacco leaves below them indicate some of the important crops grown in the County. The sandy compartment on which they stand marks the County’s location on the north shore of Lake Erie, especially the intrusion of the Long Point peninsula.
Motto
Not applicable
Badge
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 12, 2005, in Volume 139, page 688 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Bruce Patterson, Saguenay Herald, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority
Painter
Debra MacGarvie
Calligrapher
Doris Wionzek
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
Regional, Municipal etc Government