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Victoria, British Columbia
Grant of Arms, Supporters, Flag and Badge
July 15, 2010
Vol. V, p. 530
Arms of the Victoria Police DepartmentBlazonPer chevron reversed Gules and Azure, a chevron reversed between in chief a wolf couchant in the Coast Salish style and in base a trident head issuant from the base Argent; SymbolismThe colours and the chevron are from the arms of the City of Victoria. The depiction of the wolf, based on a design by local artist Butch Dick, honours the region’s original inhabitants. The trident, a maritime symbol, is found in the badge of the Crown Colony of Vancouver Island (1849-1866), the government under which the first Commissioner of Police for Victoria was appointed, as well as in the crest of the District of Esquimalt, which is also in the jurisdiction of the Victoria Police Department. |
CrestBlazonA demi-cougar Or issuant from a coronet vallary Azure; SymbolismThe cougar, an agile and strong animal, is indigenous to Vancouver Island. The coronet vallary is associated with policing. |
MottoBlazonHONOUR THROUGH SERVICE; SymbolismThe motto reflects the ethical standard to be achieved in the police’s service to the community. |
SupportersBlazonTwo horses saddled and bridled standing on a grassy mount proper; SymbolismHorses are animals used by mounted police officers and were the earliest mode of transportation for police in Victoria. |
Flag of the Victoria Police DepartmentBlazonAzure the Badge of the Victoria Police Department cantoned by maple leaves, sprigs of Garry oak and camas flowers Or; SymbolismGarry oaks and camas flowers are found in the Victoria area. |
Badge of the Victoria Police DepartmentBlazonThe shield of the Arms of the Victoria Police Department encircled by an annulus Azure edged and inscribed with the Motto, all within a wreath of maple leaves Or issuant from a Pacific dogwood flower and ensigned by the Royal Crown proper; SymbolismThis is the standard pattern of a municipal police badge in Canada. The central device and motto indicate local identity, the maple leaves Canada, and the dogwood flower British Columbia. The Royal Crown is a special symbol authorized by The Queen to indicate the role of the Department’s officers to uphold the Crown’s laws. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on March 26, 2011 in Volume 145, page 1075 of the Canada Gazette.  |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Constable Jonathan Sheldan and Bruce Patterson, Saint-Laurent Herald, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. PainterLinda Nicholson CalligrapherShirley Mangione Recipient TypeCivil Institution
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