Town of Gander

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.

Gander, Newfoundland
Grant of Arms
October 15, 1993
Vol. II, p. 284

Arms of the Town of Gander
Arms of the Town of Gander
 
Arms of the Town of Gander

Arms of the Town of Gander

Blazon

Argent a hurt surmounted by a Gander (Branta canadensis) volant proper in base two bars wavy Azure;

Symbolism

The gander (male goose) is a canting reference to the town’s name. The disc is a reference to the roundels used in the emblems of the various air forces that have operated out of Gander. At the base of the shield are stylized waves referring both to Gander Lake, for which the town is named, and to the Atlantic Ocean and Gander’s strategic location as a base for transatlantic flights. The dominant colours of the arms, blue and white, represent sky, water and clouds.

Crest

Blazon

Rising out of a representation of clouds proper a four bladed aircraft propeller Azure garnished Argent;

Symbolism

The airplane propeller resting on a representation of clouds alludes to the importance of aviation in the development of the community.

Motto

Blazon

VOLET GANDER. This Latin phrase means "May Gander fly";

Symbolism

This Latin phrase means “Let Gander fly.” It refers to the town’s link with aviation and invokes the idea of progress and success.
 

Background

Canada Gazette Information

The announcement of the letters patent was made on March 19, 1994 in Volume 128, page 1684 of the Canada Gazette.

Letters patent granting heraldic emblems to the Town of Gander

Additional Information

Creator(s)

Original concept of Charles Maier, Athabaska Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.

Painter

Robert Grey

Calligrapher

Nancy Ellis

Recipient Type

Civil Institution
Regional, Municipal etc Government

Other Information

The gander (male goose) is a canting reference to the town’s name. The disc is a reference to the roundels used in the emblems of the various air forces that have operated out of Gander. At the base of the shield are stylized waves referring both to Gander Lake, for which the town is named, and to the Atlantic Ocean and Gander’s strategic location as a base for transatlantic flights. The dominant colours of the arms, blue and white, represent sky, water and clouds.