Borough's Coat of Arms

Verdun took its name from the French city of Saverdun, so it stands to reason that its coat of arms draws on the emblem of its French counterpart. That is why the borough’s shield displays a golden castle on a field of red.

The Castle

The castle has two towers. One represents the French-speaking component of Verdun’s population, the other, the English-speaking component. The castle also represents the fort early in the colonial period that sheltered Verdun’s residents during frequent attacks by Iroquois tribes. The grid or raised portcullis which extends from the postern and which provides free access to the castle symbolizes the hearty reception that visitors to Verdun have traditionally received.

The Maple Leaf

The maple leaf is Canada’s national emblem. Its dominant position in the centre of Verdun’s coat of arms overlooking the castle firmly attests to the borough’s pride in being a great Canadian community and its concern for placing patriotism and national ideals ahead of questions of race, language or religion.

Water

An azure river runs through the silver terrace that serves as the castle’s foundation and represents Verdun’s position on the north shore of the St. Lawrence and its famous shoreline promenade.

The Motto

E Viribus Duorum means: “Through the strength of both.” This motto confirms the joint efforts of French- and English-speaking people in making the community grow.