The Symbolism of Kingston's Coat of Arms
The heraldic symbols presented to the City of Kingston on June 27, 2000 by The Canadian Heraldic Authority are a new expression within a centuries old art form, drawing together elements from the unique natural and historical heritage of the City of Kingston.
THE SHIELD
There are three central elements in the design. The Martello Tower is a unique, outstanding feature of Kingston's waterfront and has symbolized the City for over 150 years. It symbolizes strength and firmness of resolve. Also, it represents Kingston's extensive military connections and its lengthy historical development.
Above the Martello Tower are
three golden Antique Crowns representing the three partner municipalities (the former Township of Kingston, the former City of Kingston and the former Township
of Pittsburgh) which amalgamated in 1998 to form the new City of Kingston. The antique crown is the traditional heraldic symbol for municipal corporations.
The Blue and White Waves represent the confluence of three bodies of water in Kingston: Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River and the Cataraqui River/Rideau Canal system. The red background of the shield depicts the national colour of Canada.
THE CREST
The Crest (the area above the Shield) refers to the name of Cataraqui, one of Kingston's early names, and it is derived from the aboriginal word meaning "rocks rising from the water". This refers to the limestone fortifications and buildings which are a prominent feature of Kingston's past and present, rising as they appear to do from the surrounding waters.
The Beaver symbolizes the fur trade that was the paramount reason for the founding of a settlement in the seventeenth century, which eventually became the City of Kingston. The Beaver is situated on a limestone rock that rises from the bodies of water that surround Kingston. The bodies of water are symbolized by Blue and White wavy bands. The red on the mantling (ribbons) symbolizes Canada's national colour.
THE SUPPORTERS
The Shield is supported on the left by a Griffin commemorating Count Frontenac and the French foundation of the City of Kingston. Count Frontenac used two of these mythical animals as Supporters in his Coat of Arms. On the right, the lion represents Kingston's early British origins and is derived from the Coat of Arms of Canada. Also, it refers to the fact that for a short period in the mid-nineteenth century, Kingston was the seat of government of the United Provinces of Canada. The collar of Maple Leaves around the neck of each Supporter represents Canada and the rural aspects of the City of Kingston.
THE FLAG
According to the classic rules of heraldry, the city's new Flag combines the principal colours and key elements of the Shield reshaped to serve as a banner. The three antique crowns are arranged to reflect the geographical arrangement of the three former municipalities that combined to form the City of Kingston.
THE MOTTO SCROLL
The outer edge of the Scroll (at the bottom) and the words of the motto itself are depicted in gold referring to golden fields of crops, thus symbolizing the rural aspects of the City of Kingston. The blue band of the Scroll represents the bodies of water bordering the City of Kingston and it symbolizes the naval, shipbuilding, shipping and recreational sailing elements of Kingston's history.
THE MOTTO
"Antiquitate Civilitate Humanitate": This Latin motto on the Motto Scroll may be freely translated as "A Civil And Creative Community With A Proud Past".
THE BADGE
The Badge consists of the Martello
Tower from the Shield surrounded by a circle of Maple Leaves, with a red background symbolizing Canada's national colour.
THE CANADIAN HERALDIC AUTHORITY
The Canadian Heraldic Authority was established by the Governor General on June 4th, 1988, under powers granted by Royal Letters Patent received from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second as Queen of Canada. Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean is currently Head of the Authority.
