North Vancouver, British Columbia

The flag of North Vancouver is based upon the coat of arms.

Coat-of-Arms

The Coat-of-Arms was granted to the City as part of its Diamond Jubilee Celebrations in 1982. The Coat-of-Arms contains the following Armorial Ensigns :

SHIELD : The twin peaks of the Lions rise above the waves of the harbour, denoting the City’s geographic position on the North Shore. The late 19th century sailing ship represents maritime-based commerce and the first vessels to bring industry and settlers to Moodyville, the original Victorian settlement. The mountain lion heads are an ancient symbol of strength and emphasize the mountains which are the most famous local landmark.

CREST : Above the helmet is a Crown of maple leaves and dogwoods signifying Canada and British Columbia. The wood grouse is an allusion to the mountain which rises directly north of the City. The grouse and sprig of salal refer to our rich natural environment.

SUPPORTERS : The black bear and salmon represent the environment, the economy and links between the native and European peoples. Traditionally, the bear and salmon were important in the ceremonial life of the Salish people. The bear and salmon each carries about its neck a unique symbol of Salish art - the spindle whorl, which was used in the native spinning and weaving process. The whorls represent domestic arts - the one is carved with a bear, the other with a salmon.

COMPARTMENT : The compartment on which the two supporters stand is composed of forest and sea, the twin foundations of the City’s situation and prosperity.

MOTTO : A double pun on the City’s name and location and a phrase summing up the City’s aspirations.

It is worth noting that several charges, or portions of these new arms, appear in lawful heraldry for the first time, notably the sprig of salal and the two spindle whorls. Of the latter, the bear design is particularly interesting as it was created particularly to meet this need by Susan Sparrow, one of British Columbia's leading Salish artists.

City of North Vancouver