The City's Emblems

A formal application was then made. The fee for registration at that time was approximately $325.00. The official authorization of the Arms was made on 1951-SEP-23 and the documents were completed and dated on 1951-SEP-28.

Nanaimo's origins lie in its maritime location, the early administration of the Hudson's Bay Company and the development of the coal industry. These elements, together with the representation of the Hudson's Bay Company Bastion that was completed in 1853, form the main features of the Arms designed for the City.

Although the term "Coat-of-Arms" is in general use, the correct term for the whole emblazonment of shield, crest and wreath, helmet and mantling, and motto is an "Achievement". The term Coat-of-Arms was derived from the textile garment or surcoat over armour which bore in embroidery a duplication of the design on the shield.

In the design of a shield under the rules of heraldry, colours are not to be superimposed on colour, nor metals on metal. Silver can be represented by white, however. The principal colour of the Arms of Nanaimo is red taken from the red cross on a silver field on the arms of the Hudson's Bay Company. On the first quarter of the shield is a representation of a barque to commemorate the arrival of Nanaimo's early settlers from England after a sea voyage of five months in this type of vessel. On the fourth quarter is a pattern of "black diamonds" representing Nanaimo coal mining industry, now discontinued but the original reason for Nanaimo's existence. The open second and third quarters indicate the unfulfilled future.

City Logo

The City's proud history and rich resource based heritage form the foundation upon which this great city is built. Today, with its modern facilities and natural setting, the City of Nanaimo offers its citizens and visitors a healthy, diverse and active lifestyle.

The City of Nanaimo logo is inspired by our dynamic community. Nanaimo continues to grow and prosper and has become the regional service center for both the central and northern regions of Vancouver Island. The community enjoys a skilled and educated labour force, an impressive infrastructure network and many recreational and cultural amenities.

To better reflect its ties to the ocean and progressive nature, the City of Nanaimo has officially embraced the new wave logo as its corporate identity. The ocean and the city's magnificent harbour are the focal points of the community. The waves on the logo represent the City's enormous energy and determination to continuously move forward. The logo is our identity locally, nationally and internationally.

Community Logo

There is an application form available for community organizations wishing to use either logo, allowing us to keep track of how the logo is used and to grant permission under the trademark.

Declaration of Nanaimo as "The Harbour City"

Nanaimo Flag

Official Flower

Bog bird's-foot trefoil grows in open, seasonally wet meadows, along the margins of creeks, or in seepages where underground water comes to the surface. The species appears to require contact with cool, seeping water during the growing and blooming period. It grows in sites with shallow (< 15 cm) soils, over gently sloping sandstone or conglomerate bedrock.

The Government of Canada's Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife (COSEWIC) reports there are five known sites for this rare flower in Canada - all near Nanaimo. Three of these sites are on Harewood Plains, one on Gabriola Island and one on Woodley Range near Ladysmith. Although the plant is red-listed in BC, it is not in danger globally.