- 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.
Hotel Vancouver
Vancouver, British Columbia
Grant of a Badge
May 25, 1995
Vol. III, p. 57
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Badge
Out of a mural crown Or encircled with two bars wavy Azure the merlons topped with truncated pyramids Vert a demi griffin Or the wings embellished Azure grasping in the dexter claw a torch Vert winged and enflamed Or;
Symbolism
Badge
The mural coronet refers to the magnificent stone cladding and carving on the Hotel’s facade. The wavy blue bands encircling the coronet symbolize the sea and suggest the Hotel Vancouver’s proximity to water. The green merlons or small embattlements mimic the Hotel’s distinctive roofline. The griffin is a famous symbol of the Hotel Vancouver. The blue in the wings makes it distinctive to the Hotel Vancouver and repeats the water motif in the coronet. As a symbol often connoting protection, the griffin also alludes to the Hotel’s commitment to creating a safe haven for its guests. The winged torch is an allusion to the caduceus of Hermes, god of travellers and commerce. It serves a dual symbolic purpose: first, it refers to the head of Hermes that guards over one of the Hotel Vancouver’s entrances, and second, it was a charge used in the unofficial arms of the City of Vancouver from 1903 to 1969.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on November 23, 1996, in Volume 130, page 3278 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept by 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
Profit Organization