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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.

Nanaimo Empire Day Celebrations Society

Nanaimo, British Columbia
Grant of Arms and Flag
May 9, 1995
Vol. III, p. 40

Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.

Blazon

Arms

Argent on a cross Gules cotised Azure five coronets erablé Or in the first quarter between a cross saltire Gules cotised interlaced Azure four lozenges Sable the fourth quarter semé of lozenges Sable;

Crest

Issuant from a coronet Or the rim set with lozenges Sable a demi cougar charged at the shoulder with a representation of the Nanaimo Bastion Argent fimbriated Sable the dexter forepaw raised holding a torch Or enflamed proper with streamers Gules Azure and Argent;

Motto

PRO REGINA ET URBE;

Flag

An ensign Gules with a canton of the Arms of the Society and in the fly a representation of the Nanaimo Bastion Argent;

Symbolism

Arms

The shield is based on the arms of the City of Nanaimo featuring the cross of St. George and black diamonds suggesting coal. The colours of red, white and blue recall the Union Jack and emphasize that the May 24th celebrations commemorate the British Empire and the Queen. The interlaced crosses refer to the Roman numeral XX (twenty), with the four lozenges representing the number four for a total of twenty-four. The five maple leaf coronets allude to May, the fifth month, and highlight the Queen’s birthday and that this is a Canadian celebration.

Crest

The coronet of black diamonds is another reference to the City of Nanaimo, and the cougar stands for Vancouver Island. The torch and ribbons symbolize both excellence and the sporting events often associated with the celebrations. The bastion symbolizes the historical relationship between the Hudson’s Bay Company and the town of Nanaimo in the 1800s.

Motto

This means “For the Queen and the city”, honours the Queen and the spirit of the city celebrating its heritage.

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 March 24, 2001, in Volume 135, page 936 of the Canada Gazette.

Artist Information

Creator(s)
Original concept of Lawrence Patten and Robert D. Watt, Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority

Painter
Alastair Priestly

Calligrapher
Judith Bainbridge

Recipient Information

Civil Institution
Cultural Organization