- 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.
Village of Belcarra
Belcarra, British Columbia
Grant of Arms, Supporters, Flag and Badge
May 20, 2005
Vol. IV, p. 489
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Argent a pile reversed barry wavy Azure and Argent between a conifer eradicated Vert and a wolf in the Salish style rampant beating a drum all Azure, Vert and Argent;
Crest
Issuant from an antique crown Or charged with a frieze of shamrocks Vert, an eagle wings elevated and addorsed Azure, the head Argent beaked Or;
Supporters
Dexter a bear Or armed Azure gorged with a collar of maple leaves Vert, sinister a stag Or attired and unguled Azure gorged with a collar of dogwood flowers Argent leaved and seeded Vert, both standing on a rock set with salal leaves and sword ferns proper;
Motto
BETWEEN FOREST AND SEA;
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Badge
Two conifer branches in saltire Vert surmounted by a cross wavy Azure;
Symbolism
Arms
The colours blue, white and green link the shield with the current Belcarra emblem. The triangle represents the waters of the Indian Arm, and the conifer also recalls the present emblem. The ancient presence of the First Nations in and around Belcarra is symbolized by the Salish wolf, associated with the wolf clan (children of Takaya) of the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation, known as “The People of the Inlet.”
Crest
The crown represents the mountain vistas seen from Belcarra. The shamrocks honour the Irish heritage of Belcarra’s founder. The eagle refers to Belcarra’s magnificent natural heritage. It also symbolizes the powerful spirit of the community.
Supporters
The bear and stag allude to Belcarra’s natural heritage. The collars are a reference to Belcarra as a British Columbian and Canadian municipality. The gold refers to the light and warmth of the community’s spirit. The salal plants, sword ferns and rock continue to celebrate Belcarra’s geographical features.
Motto
BETWEEN FOREST AND SEA is a phrase that has long been used as the motto of Belcarra.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Badge
The motto is illustrated as a visual metaphor.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on October 29, 2005, in Volume 139, page 3450 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
Linda Nicholson
Calligrapher
Nancy Ellis
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
Regional, Municipal etc Government