Last modified: 2000-05-24 by phil nelson
Keywords: ontario | merrickville-wolford | blockhouse |
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The Heraldic symbols were awarded in 1993 by H.E. the Governor General of Canada. They are new expression within a centuries old art form, drawing together the elements from the unique natural and historical heritage of the Village of Merrickville.
![[Merrickville-Wolford Coat of Arms]](../images/c/ca)on-mw.gif)
The core of the design, the shield of arms, is a new symbol in heraldry. It contains the Blockhouse, symbolizing the development and construction of the Rideau Canal and its primarily military function as well as a landmark of the Village; a typical industrial complex, symcloth in the Village's armorial colours of Argent (silver) and Azure (blue) are the two traditional components of this Coats of Arms. The helmet is a symbol of the spirit of the knights of yore, willing to defend and safeguard their communities as we do today. The fortress walls above the helmet, in combinations with it, are the symbols representing the walls of an established City or Village. The demi lion at the top of the shield is symbolic of builders and in it's dexter forepaw is grasped a stone mason's hammer - a tool used extensively in the building of Merrickville.
The stone on which the shield is placed represents the fractured limestone which forms the very foundation of the Village. The two animals are stylized deer/fish representing both the animals of the land and the creatures of the water which are so abundant in and around the Village. The animals, one male and one female, symbolize the men and women pioneers who helped build the community of Merrickville and represent those who continue to build this thriving community. The coronets worn by these supporters represent the United Empire Loyalists. The out-thrust tongues of the animals are derived from ancient heraldry wherein all animals were depicted as fierce defenders of the shield of arms and thus, the community. The wavy lines underneath the fractured limestone represents the water which the families in the area depend on for generating power, food and transportation.
Flourishing by the water - a statement of the continued health and wealth of the Village of Merrickville.
Composed, according to classic heraldic laws, of the shield of arms arranged to fit a horizontal shape.
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