- 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.
Town of Nanton
Nanton, Alberta
Grant of Arms, Supporters and Flag
April 15, 2024
Vol. VIII, p. 273
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Gules three martlets in bend Argent between two bendlets tapissé of wheat Or;
Crest
A wyvern holding a sheaf of wheat Or;
Supporters
Dexter a red fox sinister an American badger Or standing on a grassy mount strewn with barley and northern red oak acorns proper;
Motto
AUGUSTUS;
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Symbolism
Arms
Red and white have been the colours of the town since the 1930s. The three martlets have also long been in use by the town and were found in the arms assumed by an important figure in the town’s history, Sir Augustus Nanton. The diagonal stripes allude both to the crops of wheat that are grown in the region and to train tracks, which evoke the town’s origins as a stop on the Canadian Pacific Railway.
Crest
The wyvern has long been used as an emblem for the town. The sheaf of wheat symbolizes agriculture and, therefore, the region surrounding Nanton.
Supporters
Red foxes and North American badgers are among the animals most commonly found around Nanton. The barley represents the town’s agricultural heritage, while the northern red oak is a species that is indigenous to Alberta.
Motto
This Latin word, meaning "majestic," encapsulates how the town sees itself. It also conveys the town’s efforts to preserve and promote its history.
Flag
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 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
Melissa Aberin
Calligrapher
Kathy Feig
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
Family Association