McNab/Braeside

McNAB/BRAESIDE

Province : Ontario

Official blazon

Arms : Argent a bend sinister wavy Azure between two crescents from each issuant therein a thistle flower Vert, a chief wavy Azure.
Crest: Issuant from a circlet of garbs Or a bull's head Azure armed Or.
Supporters: On a grassy mound Vert set with two cones of white pine Or, dexter a beaver Or armed Azure gorged with a collar of maple leaves Gules alternating with trillium flowers Argent seeded Or leaved Vert pendent therefrom a circular sawmill blade proper, sinister a white tailed stag Or attired and unguled Azure gorged with a like collar.
Motto: FAIR IS THE LAND • STRONG THE PEOPLE

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted on November 17, 2000.

The diagonal band and upper area of blue represent the Madawaska and the Ottawa rivers, which are key features of the local landscape and have played such a large role in the history of settlement and the development of the local economy. The green crescents are one of the main elements found in the coat of arms of the Chief of the Clan McNab and honour the township’s Scots founder. The thistle flower refers to Braeside and with the two elements joined, the union of the two former municipalities is permanently commemorated.

The circlet of garbs represents the traditional agricultural economy of the township, and the steer’s head symbolizes the ongoing importance of the beef industry.

The beaver and the deer represent the rich natural heritage of the township and are mammals that have been and are present in significant numbers. Each wears a collar of maple leaves and trillium flowers, for Canada and Ontario. Hanging from this collar is a circular sawmill blade, referring to the historic forest industry and the various mills at Braeside and in Arnprior. The white pine represents the original old growth forest which still survives near Gillies Grove and the prospect of new beginnings.

The motto celebrates the beauty of the landscape and the ongoing determination of all the members of the community to contribute to its well-being.