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.
North Vancouver, British Columbia
Registration of Arms, Supporters and Badge
July 20, 2006
Vol. V, p. 35
Arms of the City of North VancouverBlazonArgent 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; SymbolismThe 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. |
BadgeBlazonTwo mountain lion heads couped addorsed and conjoined Or overall two sprigs of fir in saltire and one sprig of cedar in pale all proper; SymbolismThe 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. |
CrestBlazonIssuant 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; SymbolismThe 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. |
MottoBlazonLION OF THE NORTH; SymbolismThis phrase is a double pun on the city’s name, and sums up the city’s aspirations. |
SupportersBlazonDexter 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; SymbolismThe 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. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on November 18, 2006 in Volume 140, page 3687 of the Canada Gazette.  |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of the heralds of the College of Arms, London, and the Coat of Arms Design Panel of the North Vancouver Community Arts Council. PainterNot applicable CalligrapherNot applicable Recipient TypeCivil Institution
Other InformationThe recipient’s emblems were originally recorded in the records of the College of Arms, London, England, 2 April 1982. |