- 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.
The Town of Lacombe
Lacombe, Alberta
Grant of Arms, Flag and Badge
May 15, 2003
Vol. IV, p. 284
Click on each image to enlarge. The blazon and symbolism for each element will accompany the enlarged image.
Blazon
Arms
Or a cross Gules voided throughout of the field between in the first quarter a Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides) volant bendwise Azure, in the second an open book Argent bound Azure, in the third a cross flory Azure voided of the field and charged with a cross couped Gules, and in the fourth two bendlets and two bendlets sinister interlaced Azure;
Crest
A coronet of wheat spikes, the rim Or charged with a frieze of flames Azure;
Motto
PEOPLE • PRIDE • PROGRESS;
Flag
A banner of the Arms;
Badge
On a Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currocoides) volant Azure a cross flory Or;
Symbolism
Arms
The gold background symbolizes the community's wealth, the nearby grain fields, and agricultural research. The red cross represents Lacombe's situation as a crossroads of Highway 2 and Highway 12, while the inner cross recalls the missionary work of Father Albert Lacombe (1827-1916), the town's namesake. The bird is one of Lacombe's most important chosen emblems. The cross with fleur-de-lis ends repeats the symbolism of the main cross, with the fleurs-de-lis a reference to Father Lacombe and to a symbol found in the arms of the Rt. Hon. Roland Michener, a native son of Lacombe whose birthplace is an important heritage site. The book represents the Canadian University College and the agricultural research centres in Lacombe, as well as the Town's commitment to education, research and technology. The diagonal crosses are the central element of the personal coat of arms of Roland Michener, a reference to the fact that he was Canada's 20th Governor General.
Crest
The ears of wheat represent the local agricultural economy and work at the Lacombe Research Centre. The flames refer to the oil and gas industries.
Motto
This phrase was suggested by the Town.
Flag
The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.
Badge
The Mountain Bluebird and the gold cross link Lacombe's emblem with the idea of crossroads.
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 Robert D. Watt, Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority
Painter
Ilona Jurkiewicz
Calligrapher
Karen Mackay
Recipient Information
Civil Institution
Regional, Municipal etc Government