British Columbia Institute of Technology

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.

Burnaby, British Columbia
Grant of Arms, Supporters, Flag and Badge
February 29, 1996
Vol. III, p. 93

Arms of the British Columbia Institute of Technology
Arms of the British Columbia Institute of Technology
Flag of the British Columbia Institute of Technology
Badge of the British Columbia Institute of Technology
 
Arms of the British Columbia Institute of Technology

Arms of the British Columbia Institute of Technology

Blazon

Per pale embattled Azure and Argent on a chief Gules a cogwheel charged with an open compass between dexter a bezant and sinister a rod of Aesculapius all Or within a bordure per pale embattled Argent and Azure charged with four billets bretessed counterchanged;

Symbolism

Blue and white are the official colours of the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). They are also the colours used in the arms of the province of British Columbia. The vertical dividing line is used to dramatize an essential feature of BCIT’s approach to learning, the interplay and fusion between theory and practice. This division also alludes to the Institute’s global links. The Institute’s programs of study are represented by the coin, which symbolizes business, the compass and the cogwheel, which allude to the study of trades and engineering; and the staff with snake which refers to health studies. The computer chips symbolize technology and the four main campuses that comprise the Institute.

Crest

Blazon

Issuant from a circlet of dogwood flowers Argent seeded Or leaved Vert an eagle Or head Argent beak Or issuant between its wings elevated and addorsed a torch Gules enflamed Or;

Symbolism

The dogwood flowers represent the provincial character and mandate of the Institute. The eagle symbolizes the spirit of the students, faculty and all members of the Institute’s community - searching for knowledge and understanding, being far-seeing in their endeavours. It is also a powerful emblem of British Columbia and the riches of the natural environment. The eagle, considered an honoured symbol of First Peoples, serves to celebrate their heritage. Lastly, it is a charge taken from the arms of the City of Burnaby, the location of the Institute’s central campus. The torch represents the light of knowledge and striving for excellence.

Motto

Blazon

QUISQUE DOMINUS SUMMI;

Symbolism

QUISQUE DOMINUS SUMMI, meaning “Each is master of the summit”.

Supporters

Blazon

On a grassy mound Vert above barry wavy Argent and Azure on either side a cougar Azure armed and langued Gules winged Or;

Symbolism

The cougar is a British Columbian animal and its wings allude to BCIT’s programs dedicated to aviation. The cougars stand on a grassy mound representing the fields on the various campuses, and the wavy bars indicate Guichon Creek, which is found on the main campus, as well as the ocean and other bodies of water located near the Institute’s campuses. The grass and water suggest the strong environmental orientation of the programmes of study offered by the Institute.

Flag of the British Columbia Institute of Technology

Flag of the British Columbia Institute of Technology

Blazon

Per pale embattled Azure and Argent an escutcheon of the Arms;

Symbolism

The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.

Badge of the British Columbia Institute of Technology

Badge of the British Columbia Institute of Technology

Blazon

On a hurt between four dogwood flowers Argent seeded Or an eagle Or head Argent beak Or issuant between its wings elevated and addorsed a torch Gules enflamed Or;

Symbolism

The symbolism of this emblem is found in other element(s) of this record.

 

Background

Canada Gazette Information

The announcement of the letters patent was made on November 23, 1996 in Volume 130, page 3279 of the Canada Gazette.

Letters patent granting heraldic emblems to the British Columbia Institute of Technology

Additional Information

Creator(s)

Original concept of Robert D. Watt, Chief Herald of Canada, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority

Painter

Debra MacGarvie

Calligrapher

Nancy Ellis

Recipient Type

Civil Institution
University