- 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 Penhold
Penhold, Alberta
Grant of Arms, Supporters, Flags and Badge
July 15, 2004
Vol. IV, p. 386
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Azure between two eagle feathers proper, a pale vair fimbriated Or;
Crest
Issuant from a mural crown Azure masoned Or, a northern harrier (Circus cyaneus) rising proper;
Supporters
Two mule deer guardant standing on a mound of rough fescue proper;
Motto
HONOURING THE PAST • CHALLENGING THE FUTURE;
Flag
A pennant of three points tierced Or, vair and Azure;
Flag
Azure adextré Or, charged in fly with the Badge;
Badge
Two quills in saltire Or enfiling a circlet vair;
Symbolism
Arms
The quills are a reference to the Town’s name, reputedly where a clerk’s pen had stuck in a map. The central stripe edged in gold indicates the importance of the north-south railway line in the Town’s history which stood alongside five grain elevators, now demolished. The traditional heraldic “vair” shapes are very similar to the distinctive outline of grain elevators, a feature of the Canadian prairies for many years.
Crest
The mural crown is a traditional symbol of municipal authority, shown here in the Town colours. The marsh harrier hawk is a local bird, and makes reference to the former Royal Canadian Air Force base that stood nearby.
Supporters
The mule deer are local animals. The rough fescue grass is one of the official emblems of Alberta.
Motto
HONOURING THE PAST • CHALLENGING THE FUTURE is a phrase suggested by Stewart Ford, a resident of Penhold who also initiated the grant of arms.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
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 689 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
Robert Grey
Calligrapher
Nancy Ellis
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
Regional, Municipal etc Government