CANADIAN HERALDIC AUTHORITY

SYMBOLISM
OF THE ARMORIAL BEARINGS OF THE

TOWN OF PENHOLD, ALBERTA

AS GRANTED BY ROBERT DOUGLAS WATT, CHIEF HERALD OF CANADA, ON 15 JULY 2004 AND ENTERED IN VOLUME IV, PAGE 386 OF THE PUBLIC REGISTER OF ARMS, FLAGS AND BADGES OF CANADA.

Arms: The quills are a reference to the Town's name, reputedly where a clerk's pen had stuck in a map. The central stripe edged in gold indicates the importance of the north-south railway line in the Town's history which stood alongside five grain elevators, now demolished. The traditional heraldic "vair" shapes are very similar to the distinctive outline of grain elevators, a feature of the Canadian prairies for many years.

Crest: The mural crown is a traditional symbol of municipal authority, shown here in the Town colours. The marsh harrier hawk is a local bird, and makes reference to the former Royal Canadian Air Force base that stood nearby.

Motto: HONOURING THE PAST • CHALLENGING THE FUTURE is a phrase suggested by Stewart Ford, a resident of Penhold who also initiated the grant of arms.

Supporters: The mule deer are local animals. The rough fescue grass is one of the official emblems of Alberta.

Badge: The quill and vair motifs are taken from the arms.

Flags: The Town flag uses the badge with the blue and gold colours of the Town and the Province. The pennant uses the vair pattern and the blue and gold.

Original concept of Bruce Patterson, Saguenay Herald. assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority.

Painter: Robert Grey

Calligrapher: Nancy Ellis

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