- 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.
Town of Montague
Montague, Prince Edward Island
Grant of Arms, Supporters, Flag and Badge
September 29, 1996
Vol. III, p. 126
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Vert a pall reversed wavy joined at the base with a pale also wavy all Azure fimbriated Argent charged in chief a fish leaping between on the field two plows Argent and over all in fess a stone bridge of two arches throughout Or masoned Sable;
Crest
Issuant from a mural coronet Gules masoned Argent a representation of the sailing vessel Empress Argent;
Supporters
On a compartment of water Azure crested Argent joined per pale with a grassy mound set with lupins proper dexter a mermaid Or queued Argent wearing on its head a garland of oak leaves Vert sinister a horse Or maned and unguled Argent gorged with lupin blossoms Gules;
Motto
PROSPER FAIR MONTAGUE;
Flag
A banner of the Arms fringed compony Vert and Argent on the three sides of the fly;
Badge
A bridge as in the arms within a chaplet of lupin blossoms Or and lupin leaves Vert;
Symbolism
Arms
The green represents the lands of the town and the surrounding fields. It is also a colour featured in the arms of Prince Edward Island. The blue and white band refers to the Montague River which links to the Cardigan and Brudenell. The bridge symbolizes the crossing of the river at the town. The two arches form an “M” in outline, and thus make a subtle reference to the town’s name. The fish honours one of two historic industries and ongoing recreational activity associated with the river. It also alludes to the sea and the new aquaculture operations. The ploughs emphasize agriculture, the main economic activity in Montague.
Crest
The mural coronet signifies that these are the arms of a municipal corporation. It is red to honour a heritage building which houses the town’s museum. The ship is a reference to historic economic and recreational activities.
Supporters
The mermaid symbolizes Montague’s historic association with the sea. The horse refers to the town’s land-bound activities and endeavours. The circlet of oak leaves worn by the mermaid refers to the oak trees in the arms of Prince Edward Island. The waves beneath her are another allusion to the sea. The horse honours agriculture and pioneers. It stands on a grassy mound with lupines which are a familiar sight in the town’s gardens and along the roadsides of the Island.
Motto
This phrase is a call to the ongoing success of the community and to the town’s setting and appearance. The phrase “Fair Montague” is taken from Romeo and Juliet (Act II, scene ii).
Flag
The green and white border is based on the flag for Prince Edward Island and repeats the themes of the Arms.
Badge
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 November 22, 1997, in Volume 131, page 3589 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
Ilona Jurkiewicz
Calligrapher
Nancy Ellis
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
Regional, Municipal etc Government