- 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 Vancouver
Vancouver, British Columbia
Registration of Arms, Supporters and Badge
March 20, 2025
Vol. VIII, p. 367
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Barry wavy of eight Azure and Argent on a chief Or two dogwood flowers proper, overall on a pile Vert a Kwakiutl totem pole of an eagle, grizzly bear and halibut Or;
Crest
A ship’s fore royal mast sail unfurled proper pennon flying Vert, all issuant from a mural crown per pale Or and Azure;
Supporters
Dexter a lumberman holding a felling axe blade in base, sinister a fisherman holding a salmon net set with wood floats proper;
Motto
BY SEA LAND AND AIR WE PROSPER;
Badge
A felling axe and an oar in saltire proper enfiling a mural crown per pale Or and Azure;
Symbolism
Arms
The Pacific dogwood is the floral emblem of British Columbia. The Kwakiutl (Kwakwaka'wakw) totem pole alludes to the Indigenous people of British Columbia. The wavy blue and white bands represent the Pacific Ocean.
Crest
The mural crown symbolizes municipal authority. The ship’s sail represents Vancouver’s coastal location and its role as a seaport.
Supporters
The logger and the fisherman represent the first industries of Vancouver.
Motto
BY SEA LAND AND AIR WE PROSPER.
Badge
The mural crown is taken from the Crest, while the axe and the oar allude to the Supporters.
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 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, 31 March 1969.