- 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 Morinville
Morinville, Alberta
Grant of Arms and Supporters
May 15, 2003
Vol. IV, p. 281
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Vert three bars dancetty between a sun Or issuant from the chief and a base wavy Argent charged with three bars wavy Azure;
Crest
Issuant from a circlet of fleurs-de-lis Azure and German chamomille flowers (Matricaria recutita L.) proper, the steeple of St. Jean Baptiste Church, Morinville, Argent charged with a maple leaf Vert;
Supporters
Two ferruginous hawks (Buteo regalis) proper, each gorged with a collar Vert pendent therefrom a ploughshare and standing on a combine harvester knife set on a field of wheat and Marie Bugnet roses proper;
Motto
WE LISTEN • WE SERVE • WE ACHIEVE;
Symbolism
Arms
The green colour, the sun and the wavy bars are all derived from the logo of the Town. The bars in zigzag form symbolize the numerous activities of the town in the field of education, sports, agriculture, industry and commerce. They look somewhat like radio waves on a screen to indicate a "buzzing of activities". The bars point alternately towards the top and bottom of the shield to indicate that these varied activities are dependent upon the sun and the water.
Crest
The fleurs-de-lis and the chamomile flowers refer respectively to the French and German origins of the community. The steeple is a landmark of the Town that can be seen from kilometres away. The green maple leaf symbolizes the Canadian character of all whose lives revolve around the church steeple. The green highlights the youthful vigour and potential for growth of the Town.
Supporters
The ferruginous hawks are local birds. The combine knife symbolizes agriculture. The Marie Bugnet rose is the town flower, while wheat is a product of the agricultural activities referred to elsewhere in the design.
Motto
Chosen by Town Council as an expression of the community's aspirations.
Background
Canada Gazette Information
The announcement of the Letters Patent was made on December 20, 2003, in Volume 137, page 3982 of the Canada Gazette.
Artist Information
Creator(s)
Original concept of Auguste Vachon, Outaouais Herald Emeritus, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority
Painter
Linda Nicholson
Calligrapher
Nancy Ellis
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
Regional, Municipal etc Government