The Corporation of the City of Hamilton

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.

Hamilton, Ontario
Registration of Arms and Supporters
January 20, 2023
Vol. VIII, p. 140

Arms of The Corporation of the City of Hamilton
Arms of The Corporation of the City of Hamilton
 
Arms of The Corporation of the City of Hamilton

Arms of The Corporation of the City of Hamilton

Blazon

Azure on a fess wavy Argent between a paddle steamer in full sail issuant therefrom proper and in base a beehive beset with eleven bees Or, a beaver proper;

Symbolism

The Canadian Heraldic Authority does not have confirmed symbolism for this emblem. The following comments are hypotheses only. The design is based on a coat of arms assumed by the city in the early 19th century. The beaver is a traditional Canadian symbol, while the beehive likely represents industriousness and hard work. The wavy band and the paddle steamer allude to Hamilton’s status as a port city.

Crest

Blazon

A demi-sun Or issuant from clouds proper within a coronet Or of cinquefoils Azure;

Symbolism

The cinquefoil is the emblem of the Scottish Clan Hamilton and therefore alludes to the city’s founder, George Hamilton.

Motto

Blazon

I ADVANCE;

Symbolism

I ADVANCE.

Motto

Blazon

COMMERCE • PRUDENCE • INDUSTRY;

Symbolism

These words represent important values for the city.

Supporters

Blazon

Dexter a stag proper sinister a lion guardant Or each charged on the shoulder with a pierced cinquefoil Ermine;

Symbolism

The stag is a creature found in the Dundas Valley. The cinquefoil repeats the symbolism of the Crest.
 

Background

Canada Gazette Information

Since 2023, grants, registrations and approvals of heraldic emblems are no longer announced in the Canada Gazette.

Letters patent registering the heraldic emblems of The Corporation of the City of Hamilton

Additional Information

Creator(s)

Original concept of Edward Acraman (1847).

Painter

Artist of the College of Arms, London / Artiste du Collège d’armes, Londres

Calligrapher

Not applicable

Recipient Type

Civil Institution

Other Information

The recipient’s emblems were originally recorded at the College of Arms, London, England, 20 December 1962.