District of Matsqui

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.

Matsqui, British Columbia
Registration of Arms and Badge
February 15, 2024
Vol. VIII, p. 258

Arms of the District of Matsqui
Arms of the District of Matsqui
Badge of the District of Matsqui
 
Arms of the District of Matsqui

Arms of the District of Matsqui

Blazon

Vert goutté d’eau, on a fess wavy Argent between in chief two winged wheels and in base a beehive kiln Or, two bars wavy Azure surmounted by a grenade Sable fired between two strawberry sprigs leaved and fructed proper;

Symbolism

The green background represents the agricultural lands of the region, and the white drops the dairy industry. The wavy stripes refer to the Fraser River. The grenade is the emblem of the Royal Engineers, retired members of which were among the district’s early settlers. The strawberry plants are an important crop of the Fraser Valley. The wheels allude to the fact that Matsqui is a Salish word for “meeting of trails,” and their wings represent Abbotsford airport. The kiln refers to the Clayburn brickworks, the municipality’s first industry.

Crest

Blazon

A thunderbird displayed head to the sinister proper;

Symbolism

The thunderbird honours the first inhabitants of the area, the Coast Salish. Here, it is in the artistic style and typical colouring of the Kwakwaka'wakw, a nation to the north of the Matsqui territory.

Badge of the District of Matsqui

Badge of the District of Matsqui

Blazon

A thunderbird as in the Crest within a wreath of daffodils slipped and leaved proper;

Symbolism

The thunderbird repeats the symbolism of the Crest. The daffodils are a well-known feature of the Bradner neighbourhood in the municipality.

 

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 District of Matsqui

Additional Information

Creator(s)

Original concept of the College of Arms, London.

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, 10 March 1967.