Edmonton (Alberta)

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EDMONTON

Province: Alberta

Official blazon

Arms: Purpure 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
Supporters: On 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
Motto: INDUSTRY • INTEGRITY • PROGRESS

Origin/meaning

The arms were granted on October 8, 1995.

The 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.

The 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 motto has long been used as the motto of the city and repeats the themes of the shield.