- 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.
Saanich Police Department
Saanich, British Columbia
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge
August 15, 2024
Vol. VIII, p. 300
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Argent a raven in the Coast Salish style affronty head to the dexter Sable, a base dancetty of two points Vert;
Motto
SERVING THE PEOPLE;
Flag
Azure the Badge cantoned by oak leaves and camas flowers Or;
Badge
The shield of the Arms of the Saanich Police Department within an annulus Azure edged and inscribed with the Motto in letters Argent, ensigned by the Royal Crown proper and environed by a wreath of maple leaves Or issuant from a dogwood flower proper between two maple leaves in the Coast Salish style Gules embellished Argent;
Symbolism
Arms
In many First Nations cultures, the raven is portrayed as a skilled communicator and guardian. As a messenger, the raven embodies the role of building positive relationships between communities. Its is based on an original drawing by WSÁNEĆ artist Douglas “Bear” Horne, a resident of one of the two traditional territories where the Saanich Police Department is located. The two peaks embody the topography of the area.
Motto
SERVING THE PEOPLE.
Flag
The Garry oak leaves and camas flowers are taken from the coat of arms of the District of Saanich, where the police department is located. They represent the local flora.
Badge
The badge reflects the traditional structure of municipal police badges. The Royal Crown symbolizes the Saanich Police Department’s commitment to the administration of justice, and the maple leaves and dogwood flower represent Canada and British Columbia. The two Indigenous maple leaves acknowledge the two traditional territories where the Saanich Police Department is located. Their depiction is based on an original drawing by lək̓ʷəŋən artist Clarence “Butch” Dick, a resident of one of these territories.
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 the Saanich Police Department and Fabienne Fusade, Miramichi Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Painter
Debra MacGarvie
Calligrapher
Yolande Lessard
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
Regional, Municipal etc Service