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Niagara Falls, Ontario
Grant of Arms and Supporters
May 15, 2006
Vol. V, p. 20
Arms of The Municipal Corporation of the City of Niagara FallsBlazonArgent three pallets wavy Azure, on a chief enarched three pallets counterchanged; SymbolismThe design is a symbolic representation of the Canadian, or Horseshoe, Falls, the City’s most famous feature and one of the natural wonders of the world. The top part indicates the flowing water of the Niagara River, the division line the shape of the Horseshoe Falls, and the lower part the tumbling water as it goes over the Falls. |
CrestBlazonIssuant from a mural crown Argent masoned Azure charged with maple leaves Gules and hurts bearing mullets Argent, a thunderbolt Or; SymbolismThe mural crown is a traditional symbol of municipal authority. The maple leaves and stars indicate Niagara Falls’ status as a border city, across from the city of the same name in New York State. The thunderbolt is a symbol derived from classical mythology. It alludes to the name Niagara, thought to mean “thunder of water” in the Indigenous Neutral language. It also reinforces the idea of electrical power as expressed in the lightning bolts held by the supporters. |
MottoBlazonTREAD THE SMOOTHER WAYS OF PEACE; SymbolismThis sentence is taken from Dr. Arthur William Fisher’s poem “Niagara”, published in 1924. As Niagara Falls is the most famous border city in Canada, this alludes to the peaceful relationship with the United States, valued particularly in a region that saw terrible battles in the War of 1812. This motto can serve as an exhortation to all citizens to advance the cause of peace. |
SupportersBlazonTwo lions Or each holding a lightning bolt Argent and standing on a rocky mound proper; SymbolismThe lions have been used by the City since 1939, and the lightning bolts refer to the importance of hydro-electric power generated by the Falls. As gold lions are found in the Royal Arms of the United Kingdom and of Canada, they also allude to the important role the Niagara region played in the defence of Canada during the War of 1812, such as at the Battle of Lundy’s Lane in what is now Niagara Falls. The rocky ground on which the lions stand alludes to the Niagara Gorge. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on November 18, 2006 in Volume 140, page 3686 of the Canada Gazette.  |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Bruce Patterson, Saguenay Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority PainterEva Pilar-Cass CalligrapherLuc Saucier Recipient TypeCivil Institution
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