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Edmonton, Alberta
Grant of Arms and Supporters
October 8, 1995
Vol. III, p. 109
Arms of the City of EdmontonBlazonPurpure a fess wavy Argent charged with a bar wavy Azure between in chief a winged cogwheel and in base a garb Or on a chief Azure fimbriated Argent a demi sun issuant in splendour Or; SymbolismThe sun in splendour reflects the fact that Edmonton receives a great amount of sunshine. It is also symbolic of the horizon and thus refers to the city as a place of promise. The winged wheel represents Edmonton’s vibrant aviation heritage. The wavy bars symbolizing water honour the North Saskatchewan River. This symbol also celebrates Edmonton’s historic importance as a fur trading post because of its location near the river. The wheat sheaf represents Edmonton’s central role in the agricultural industry. |
MottoBlazonINDUSTRY • INTEGRITY • PROGRESS; SymbolismThis has long been used as the motto of the city and repeats the themes of the shield. |
SupportersBlazonOn a grassy mound Vert dexter an explorer tempore 1796 proper habited in winter garb about his waist a sash chequy Or and Azure bearing in his sinister hand a musket barrel upwards and on his dexter hip hanging over his opposite shoulder a powder horn and bag all Or sinister a representation of Athena proper crined Or habited Azure bearing beneath her sinister arm a book and in her sinister hand a torch the shield compartment and motto surmounting an upright mace all Or; SymbolismThe explorer honours the origins of the city with the fur trade, as it was once known as Fort Edmonton, and the tradition of exploration established by the commercial concerns of fur trading companies. The explorer’s brightly coloured sash is a reference to the Métis fur trade employers who played a major role in the success of this industry. The goddess of wisdom, Athena, celebrates the city’s educational institutions, especially the University of Alberta, founded in 1907. The supporters stand on a rendition of the river valley where many recreational activities take place. The shield is placed on a mace, symbolic of Edmonton’s status as the capital of Alberta and home to the Legislative Assembly. The crown of this mace includes a marigold, the official flower of the city, flanked by two wild roses, the floral emblem of Alberta. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on November 23, 1996 in Volume 130, page 3279 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. PainterJoan Bouwmeester CalligrapherJoan Bouwmeester Recipient TypeCivil Institution
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