Municipal History

The Village of Nanton was incorporated by Order in Council on June 22nd, 1903.  The Town of Nanton was similarly incorporated on August 9th, 1907.   

Coat of Arms

The Arms of the Town of Nanton reflect its rich history and cultural identity.

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Town of Nanton corporate Coat of Arms

Arms (Shield):
The shield features a red background with three silver martlets arranged diagonally between two bands of wheat-patterned gold. The red and white have been Nanton's colors since the 1930s, while the martlets, symbolic of swiftness and perseverance, pay homage to Sir Augustus Nanton, a key figure in the town's history. The diagonal bands evoke both the wheat fields of the region and the train tracks that highlight the town's origins as a stop on the Canadian Pacific Railway.

Crest:
A golden wyvern holding a sheaf of wheat sits atop the coat of arms. The wyvern, long associated with the town, signifies strength and vigilance, while the wheat reflects the agricultural foundation of Nanton and its surrounding area.

Motto:
The Latin word "AUGUSTUS," meaning "majestic," serves as the town's motto. This embodies Nanton's self-perception and commitment to preserving and celebrating its historical heritage.

Supporters:
Flanking the shield are a red fox and an American badger, standing on a grassy base adorned with barley and northern red oak acorns. These animals represent the wildlife common to the region, while the barley signifies Nanton’s agricultural roots, and the red oak acorns symbolize the natural flora of Alberta.

Together, the elements of the Town of Nanton’s coat of arms celebrate its agricultural prosperity, historical significance, and the natural beauty of the region.

 

Documents of Interest

  1. 1903 Orders in Council
  2. 1907 Orders in Council
  3. Mayors of Nanton (1903-2021)

If you have any municipal documents or pictures of interest related to the municipality's history that you are willing to share (e.g. Mayors, Councillors, events, meetings in chambers, past municipal buildings), please contact communications@nanton.ca  We would love to expand this page for community interest.