Arms of the City of North Vancouver
Arms of the City of North Vancouver
Blazon
Argent a three-masted ship Sable sails Argent upon a base barry wavy Azure and Argent, and below two mountain lion faces Gules, a chief dancetty Azure;
Symbolism
The mountain lion heads are a symbol of strength and identify the mountains, The Lions, which are a famous local landmark. The twin peaks rise above the waves of the harbour, indicating the city’s position on the North Shore. The late-19th century sailing ship represents maritime-based commerce and the first vessels to bring industry and settlers to Moodyville.
Badge of the City of North Vancouver
Blazon
Two mountain lion heads couped addorsed and conjoined Or overall two sprigs of fir in saltire and one sprig of cedar in pale all proper;
Symbolism
The mountain lion heads allude to the mountains called The Lions. The fir and cedar evoke the building materials used by the Salish for their homes, and the first products harvested by the European settlers.
Crest of the City of North Vancouver
Blazon
Issuant from a circlet of maple leaves Gules and dogwood flowers, a grouse holding in its beak a sprig of salal and perching on a twig proper;
Symbolism
The wood grouse alludes to Grouse Mountain directly north of the city. The grouse and salal refer to the rich natural local environment. The maple leaves and dogwoods signify Canada and British Columbia respectively.
Motto of the City of North Vancouver
Blazon
LION OF THE NORTH;
Symbolism
This phrase is a double pun on the city’s name, and sums up the city’s aspirations.
Supporters of the City of North Vancouver
Blazon
Dexter a black bear sinister a salmon each proper and gorged with a collar Argent pendent therefrom a Salish spindle whorl, that to the dexter carved with a salmon, that to the sinister carved with a bear, the compartment per pale of forest saplings and waves proper;
Symbolism
The black bear and salmon are important in the ceremonial life of the Salish people. Each carries about its neck a unique symbol of Salish art, the spindle whorl which was used in the spinning and weaving process. The forest and sea elements of the compartment represent the twin foundations of the city’s prosperity.