- 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.
Corporation of the City of Merritt
Merritt, British Columbia
Grant of Arms, Supporters and Flag
February 15, 2005
Vol. IV, p. 448
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Vert a sun in splendour Or;
Crest
A circlet of maple leaves Gules and dogwood flowers proper;
Supporters
Dexter a coyote guardant, sinister a lynx, each Or and standing on a grassy mound Vert;
Motto
FLOURISH UNDER THE SUN;
Flag
Per fess Or and Vert, in dexter chief an escutcheon of the Arms;
Symbolism
Arms
Green and gold are the city colours, representing the verdant Nicola Valley and sunlight. The sun is a dominant feature of the valley: a symbol of power, splendour and justice, and a reference to the sun in the arms of British Columbia. Green also represents growth and hope.
Crest
This combines the floral symbols of Canada and British Columbia, maple leaves and dogwood flowers.
Supporters
The coyote and lynx are local animals. In some native cultures, the coyote is portrayed as the creator of earth and humans. The lynx is traditionally emblematic of keen vision. The compartment represents the Nicola Valley and the nearby mountains.
Motto
The phrase FLOURISH UNDER THE SUN makes a reference to the Arms design.
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 June 11, 2005, in Volume 139, page 2034 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept by Heinz Lange and Patrick Lean, assisted by Robert D. Watt, Chief Herald of Canada, and the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority
Painter
Linda Nicholson
Calligrapher
Doris Wionzek
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
Regional, Municipal etc Government