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
March 20, 2026
Vol. VIII, p. 483
Arms of The Regional Municipality of Hamilton-WentworthBlazonOr on a fess engrailed Azure between in chief a lake freighter of the Canada Steamship Lines issuant proper and in base a field gun Sable on a grassy mount Vert, a lyre between a garb and a torch Or enflamed Gules; SymbolismThe Canadian Heraldic Authority does not have confirmed symbolism for this emblem. The following comments are hypotheses only. The freighter of the Canada Steamship Lines represents Hamilton Harbour and the municipality’s connection to commercial shipping in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway. The wheat references the importance of agriculture in the local economy. The lyre and the torch symbolize music and sports respectively. The field gun commemorates the Battle of Stoney Creek, a notable event in the area during the War of 1812. |
CrestBlazonA beaver sejant erect resting its forepaws on an open book proper edged Or bound Sable, all on a mural crown Or; SymbolismThe mural crown signifies a municipality. The beaver is a Canadian symbol and represents industry. The book represents education. |
MottoBlazonUNITY IS STRENGTH; SymbolismThis phrase alludes to the joining together of six lower-tier municipalities to form the region in 1974. |
SupportersBlazonDexter a man sinister a woman both habited in the style of United Empire Loyalists at the end of the 18th century, the woman holding a bunch of yellow chrysanthemums, both standing on a grassy mount all proper; SymbolismThe Canadian Heraldic Authority does not have confirmed symbolism for this emblem. The following comments are hypotheses only. The man and woman represent the United Empire Loyalists who settled in the region after the American Revolution. The chrysanthemum references the Hamilton Fall Garden & Mum Show, a renowned chrysanthemum exhibition that has run since 1920. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationSince 2023, grants, registrations and approvals of heraldic emblems are no longer announced in the Canada Gazette.   |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Stanley Arculus, assisted by the heralds of the College of Arms, London. PainterArtist of the College of Arms, London / Artiste du Collège d’armes, Londres CalligrapherNot applicable Recipient TypeCivil Institution Other InformationThe recipient’s emblems were originally recorded at the College of Arms, London, England, 10 January 1975. |