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.
Guelph, Ontario
Grant of Arms, Supporters, Flags and Badge
January 15, 2007
Vol. V, p. 99
Arms of The Guelph Collegiate – Vocational InstituteBlazonGules an entrance portal enclosing a bell, on a chief rayonné Argent three escutcheons Vert each ensigned by an ancient crown Gules; SymbolismThe shield is divided by a fluctuating line which represents a flame, a symbol traditionally representing the spirit of inspiration for education. The colours red and white in the lower part of the shield are the colours of the City of Guelph. The primary charge is a depiction of the school’s main entrance with its door open. It represents the invitation to engage in the opportunities that come from education, and is related to the motto. The bell within the stone arch and the arch itself represent previous historical buildings now incorporated into the present site’s main edifice. The arch became part of a ceremonial entranceway to the school’s auditorium, and the bell is rung on special ceremonial occasions. The repetition of the triangular charge three times in chief, akin to the Scottish custom of the chief of clan wearing three feathers, emphasizes that the school was designated as the chief school of the county. |
CrestBlazonBetween two branches of maple Vert, a demi-horse Argent holding a poppy proper; SymbolismThe maple leaves come from the monogrammed device in use since the 1920s. The horse alludes to the one on the front of the school entrance. It holds a red poppy alluding to the city’s name as part of the school’s name, the city sometimes being known as “The poppy city,” alluding to John McCrae, an alumnus of the school, author of “In Flanders Fields.” |
MottoBlazonHIC PATET INGENIIS CAMPUS; SymbolismThis means “Here the field lies open to all talents.” |
SupportersBlazonTwo unicorns Argent each gorged with a collar Vert pendent therefrom a pomme charged with the monogram GCVI Argent and standing on a rocky mount set with grass proper; SymbolismThe unicorn represents ideas of Scotland and royalty, two being found as supporters of the arms of the King of Scotland. Its mythical characteristics of virtue and purity are inspirations and strengths for an educational body battling against its natural foe, ignorance. The emblems at their necks mark these unicorns as being specific to the school, showing the monogrammed disc bearing the letters GCVI. The Guelph limestone of the compartment is a type which naturally occurs in the Guelph area, and has been used to build many buildings from the 1840s. |
Flag for the school of The Guelph Collegiate – Vocational Institute The Guelph Collegiate – Vocational InstituteBlazonFor the school: A banner of the Arms, adextré Vert charged with a unicorn rampant contourné Argent gorged with a collar Vert pendent therefrom a pomme charged with the monogram GCVI Argent; SymbolismThis is the flag for the administration to use on behalf of the school. The school arms appear on the flag, with the supporter bearing the monogrammed disc also. |
Flag for the Student's Council of The Guelph Collegiate – Vocational InstituteBlazonFor the Student's Council: Vert three escutcheons each ensigned by an ancient crown Argent; SymbolismThis is the flag that student organizations might use when they are participating in events. It is in the school colours. |
Badge of The Guelph Collegiate – Vocational InstituteBlazonAn escutcheon Vert ensigned by an ancient crown Argent; SymbolismThe triangular charge is based on the device long used by the school, which shows a triangle bearing the letters GCVI and ensigned by a Royal crown. It appears in the school colours of green and white. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on December 31, 1969 in Volume 0, page 0 of the Canada Gazette.  |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Darrel Kennedy, Assiniboine Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. PainterIlona Jurkiewicz CalligrapherDoris Wionzek Recipient TypeCivil Institution
|