Coat of arms of Ottawa

Coat of arms of Ottawa, Ontario

Coat of arms of Ottawa represents the symbolism and history of the City of Ottawa, the capital city of Canada. Granted on October 20, 1954, by the Royal Heraldry Society of Canada, the coat of arms is a significant emblem that reflects the city's heritage, culture, and aspirations.

Description

The coat of arms of Ottawa consists of several elements, each with its own symbolic meaning. At the center is a shield, divided into several parts, featuring symbols representative of Ottawa's landscape and economy. The upper section of the shield displays a royal crown, symbolizing Ottawa's status as the capital of Canada. Below the crown, the shield is divided into quarters. The first and fourth quarters show a maple leaf, representing Canada, while the second and third quarters feature a wheat sheaf and a caliper, symbolizing agriculture and industry, respectively.

Above the shield is a helmet mantled in green and gold, colors that reflect growth and prosperity. On top of the helmet sits a crest featuring a beaver, symbolizing industry and the importance of the fur trade in Ottawa's early history. The beaver holds a mace, representing the authority of the Parliament of Canada, which is located in Ottawa.

Supporting the shield are two figures: a timber logger, representing the historical significance of the lumber industry to the city, and a civil servant, symbolizing the role of Ottawa as the administrative center of Canada. Both figures stand on a compartment of trilliums, the provincial flower of Ontario, indicating Ottawa's location within the province.

The motto of the city, "Advance Ottawa," is inscribed on a scroll at the bottom of the coat of arms, encouraging progress and growth.

Symbolism

The coat of arms of Ottawa is rich in symbolism, reflecting the city's history, geography, and economy. The royal crown signifies Ottawa's status as the national capital, while the maple leaves represent Canada as a whole. The wheat sheaf and caliper symbolize the city's agricultural and industrial contributions. The beaver and mace in the crest highlight Ottawa's historical trade roots and its current role as the seat of national governance. The figures of the logger and civil servant pay homage to the city's past and present economic drivers, and the trilliums emphasize Ottawa's location in Ontario.

Legal Status and Usage

The coat of arms is used by the City of Ottawa on official documents, buildings, and other items to represent the city and its authority. Its use is governed by municipal policies and the laws of heraldry in Canada.

See Also

• Heraldry
• Symbol
• City of Ottawa
• History of Ottawa