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Fernie, British Columbia
Grant of Arms, Supporters, Flags and Badge
December 15, 2003
Vol. IV, p. 341
Arms of The Corporation of the City of FernieBlazonAzure on a fess Or, its upper edge dancetty, three lozenges Sable; SymbolismThe gold refers both to the wealth generated from the coal and forestry industries and to the sunshine which makes Fernie an important recreational and ecotourism destination. The three “peaks” in the upper part of the shield refer to the Three Sisters, the most dramatic and famous of the Rocky Mountain formations visible from Fernie. The area of blue below the gold symbolizes the Elk River, on which Fernie is situated, and, by extension, the valley of the same name. The blue above represents the sky. The black diamonds are the traditional heraldic representation for coal and hence an important reference to the great coal mines that formed the basis of the city’s initial prosperity. |
CrestBlazonA coal car Azure bearing coal Sable resting thereon a mining pick Argent; SymbolismThe historic and ongoing importance of the coal industry to the city is symbolized by the coal car. The pick represents both traditional methods of coal mining and the pioneer miners. |
MottoBlazonIN MONTIBUS AD FLUMEN; SymbolismMeaning “In the mountains by the river”, this is an expression of the city’s splendid setting which has so influenced its history and economy. |
SupportersBlazonDexter a grizzly bear Or gorged with a collar of cedar Vert holding in its dexter paw a trout Argent, sinister an elk Or gorged with a like collar, its sinister foreleg resting on a crosscut saw Argent, handles Sable, the supporters standing on a grassy mound Vert set with snowflakes and dogwood flowers Argent; SymbolismThe elk and the grizzly are common large mammals in the region, with the elk also giving its name to the valley where the city is located. The two animals also represent the rich natural heritage of Fernie’s setting. The collars of cedar refer to the local stands of cedar, the largest such trees in the province outside the Pacific coast. The trout represents the importance of the local recreational fishery, and the saw, the increasing importance of forestry. The grass in the compartment symbolizes the lands of the City itself. Fernie’s status as a British Columbian city is shown through the use of the dogwood flowers. The increasing importance of winter recreation is dramatized by the snowflakes. |
Flag of The Corporation of the City of FernieBlazonA banner of the Arms; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Flag of The Corporation of the City of FernieBlazonOr the Badge of The Corporation of the City of Fernie, a canton of the Arms; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Badge of The Corporation of the City of FernieBlazonA lozenge Sable charged with an elk's head in trian aspect Or; SymbolismThe badge repeats some of the colours and themes of the arms through the use of the reference to coal and to Elk Valley and River. The elk’s head is featured on the city’s current seal. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on March 12, 2005 in Volume 139, page 687 of the Canada Gazette.   |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Robert D. Watt, Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority PainterDavid Farrar CalligrapherShirley Mangione Recipient TypeCivil Institution
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