Uxbridge Coat of Arms

In 1956, Uxbridge became the second town in Canada and the first in Ontario to receive an official coat-of-arms.

Alan Beddoe of Ottawa, the Heraldy Advisor to the Royal Canadian Navy along with local officials and the College of Arms in London, England created the design which was taken to England for approval.  The Coat of Arms was presented during a ceremony, “A Salute to Uxbridge” and was broadcast live on CBC.  The Honourable Louis O. Breithaupt, the 18th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario was on hand to present the Coat of Arms to Uxbridge Mayor, Carl Puterbough.

At the ceremony the description of the Coat of Arms was read out by Alan Beddoe.   

“Starting at the bottom, on the shield are two blue wavey lines on white to indicate water, over it is the bridge in green which refers to the green timbers that were used to make it. On the bridge is a gold Maple Leaf from the Arms of Ontario, implying that the Uxbridge being referred to is in Province of Ontario. Over the bridge is the mask of an Ox. Thus, here is the name of the Town, Ox- (or Ux) bridge. The shield’s background is gold (for Gould, the founder of the town) and on either flank are rye sheaves on green background to depict it is in the heart of an agriculture community. The sheaves also refer to the straw that covers the back of the oxen. The mantle flowing out of the helmet is green on the outer side with a white lining as the Livery colours of Uxbridge are white and green. Out of the crown, which is made to look like gold masonry, is a red lion. The lion is derived from the Crest in the Arms of Uxbridge, Middlesex, England, and refers to the British traditions we have inherited in this country. It also links us up with that sister town across the ocean. In the Lion’s paws is a cogwheel, which refers to manufacturing and the industry of the people of Uxbridge. This last meaning is also brought out in the Motto (at the bottom) ON’T UXBRIDGE, or “On To It Uxbridge!” – Alan Beddoe.

In the photos below you can see the Coat of Arms displayed on the front of the Music Hall and on the entrance signs to town.

Source: Uxbridge the Good Old Days by: Peter Hvidsten