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Vancouver, British Columbia
Grant of Arms, Supporters, Flag and Badge
January 20, 2005
Vol. IV, p. 420
Arms of the Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority Police ServiceBlazonAzure a cross triparted and fretty Argent within a bordure Or semé of annulets Azure; SymbolismBlue and white are corporate colours of the Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority. The narrow interlaced bands represent the many routes, both land and water, guarded by the Service, and the gold border symbolizes the boundaries of the area in which it operates. The blue discs on the border symbolize wheels in motion, with the related idea that the Service is always on the move. They also refer to the many communities that are served and protected by the Service. |
CrestBlazonAn eagle rising wings elevated and displayed Azure, its head Argent, beaked and membered Or, gorged with a collar pendent therefrom a key and holding in the dexter claw a balance Or; SymbolismThe eagle, a bird seen in many local communities, symbolizes speed and a swift response as important characteristics of the Service's work. The key is an indication of the role of the Service in providing security for the whole TransLink system, while the balance indicates the administration of justice. |
MottoBlazonSAFELY LINKING COMMUNITIES; SymbolismAn expression of the Police Service's central mission. |
SupportersBlazonDexter the goddess Diana proper habited Azure holding in her dexter hand a bow Or, sinister the god Mercury proper habited and wearing a cap Azure winged Or holding in his sinister hand a caduceus Or, both standing on a grassy mound Vert above barry wavy Argent and Azure; SymbolismThe figures of Diana and Mercury symbolize swiftness of action and response, as well as the women and men of the Service and of the communities served. The grass and wavy bars refer to the land and water routes traversed by the TransLink system. |
Flag of the Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority Police ServiceBlazonA banner of the Arms; SymbolismThe symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record. |
Badge of the Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority Police ServiceBlazonThe shield of Arms of the Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority Police Service encircled by an annulus Argent edged and inscribed with the Motto in letters Azure, within a wreath of maple leaves Or issuant from a dogwood flower, the whole ensigned by the Royal Crown proper; SymbolismThis follows the general pattern of municipal police badges in Canada, reflecting the fact that the Police Service is a designated policing unit established by a provincial Order in Council. The Royal Crown indicates the role of the Service in the administration of the Crown's justice, and the dogwood flower is the floral emblem of British Columbia. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on March 12, 2005 in Volume 139, page 690 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 PainterGordon Macpherson CalligrapherNancy Ellis Recipient TypeCivil Institution
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