City of Peterborough

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.

Peterborough, Ontario
Registration of Arms and Supporters
June 17, 1999
Vol. III, p. 323

Arms of the City of Peterborough
Arms of the City of Peterborough
 
Arms of the City of Peterborough

Arms of the City of Peterborough

Blazon

Vert a sword point downwards Argent pommel and hilt Or surmounted by a fess barry wavy of six Argent and Azure;

Symbolism

The green background represents the forests around Peterborough and also commemorates the Irish settlers who were among its first residents. The plain green field (champ plain in French) is also a reference to Samuel de Champlain, who was the first European explorer to visit the region. The sword honours the British soldiers who settled in the area after the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812. The white and blue wavy stripes represent the Otonabee River and the lakes and waterways of the area.

Crest

Blazon

Upon a log of wood fesswise a beaver proper grasping with the sinister paw a key ward upwards Or and to the sinister;

Symbolism

The beaver is a symbol of Canada. The key represents Saint Peter and the Catholic faith of the Irish settlers. It also refers to the city’s founder, Peter Robinson, who gave his name to the town.

Motto

Blazon

DAT NATURA ELABORANT ARTES;

Symbolism

This Latin phrase means “Nature provides, industry develops.”

Supporters

Blazon

On a grassy mound Vert dexter a stag proper and sinister a lion Gules gorged with an Eastern crown and chain reflexed over the back Or;

Symbolism

The stag represents the wildlife of the region and is also found in the arms used by people with the surname Robinson. The red lion is one of the supporters of the arms of the Duke of Wellington, under whose command many of the soldier settlers fought. The green of the field alludes to the Irish settlers.
 

Background

Canada Gazette Information

The announcement of the letters patent was made on July 22, 2000 in Volume 134, page 2264 of the Canada Gazette.

Letters patent registering the heraldic emblems of City of Peterborough

Additional Information

Creator(s)

Not available

Painter

Not applicable

Calligrapher

Not applicable

Recipient Type

Civil Institution
Regional, Municipal etc Government

Other Information

The recipient’s emblems were originally recorded in the records of the College of Arms, London, England, 9 May 1950.