- 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.
Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority Police Service
Vancouver, British Columbia
Grant of Arms, Supporters, Flag and Badge
January 20, 2005
Vol. IV, p. 420
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Azure a cross triparted and fretty Argent within a bordure Or semé of annulets Azure;
Crest
An eagle rising wings elevated and displayed Azure, its head Argent, beaked and membered Or, gorged with a collar pendent therefrom a key and holding in the dexter claw a balance Or;
Supporters
Dexter the goddess Diana proper habited Azure holding in her dexter hand a bow Or, sinister the god Mercury proper habited and wearing a cap Azure winged Or holding in his sinister hand a caduceus Or, both standing on a grassy mound Vert above barry wavy Argent and Azure;
Motto
SAFELY LINKING COMMUNITIES;
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Badge
The shield of Arms of the Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority Police Service encircled by an annulus Argent edged and inscribed with the Motto in letters Azure, within a wreath of maple leaves Or issuant from a dogwood flower, the whole ensigned by the Royal Crown proper;
Symbolism
Arms
Blue and white are corporate colours of the Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority. The narrow interlaced bands represent the many routes, both land and water, guarded by the Service, and the gold border symbolizes the boundaries of the area in which it operates. The blue discs on the border symbolize wheels in motion, with the related idea that the Service is always on the move. They also refer to the many communities that are served and protected by the Service.
Crest
The eagle, a bird seen in many local communities, symbolizes speed and a swift response as important characteristics of the Service's work. The key is an indication of the role of the Service in providing security for the whole TransLink system, while the balance indicates the administration of justice.
Supporters
The figures of Diana and Mercury symbolize swiftness of action and response, as well as the women and men of the Service and of the communities served. The grass and wavy bars refer to the land and water routes traversed by the TransLink system.
Motto
An expression of the Police Service's central mission.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Badge
This follows the general pattern of municipal police badges in Canada, reflecting the fact that the Police Service is a designated policing unit established by a provincial Order in Council. The Royal Crown indicates the role of the Service in the administration of the Crown's justice, and the dogwood flower is the floral emblem of British Columbia.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on March 12, 2005, in Volume 139, page 690 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Robert D. Watt, Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority
Painter
Gordon Macpherson
Calligrapher
Nancy Ellis
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
Regional, Municipal etc Service