In 2015, a Call to membership to create a new Association Arms occurred. The Executive Board chose the design by member Lee Elliot to be the new Arms.
The Arms was kept as the Association’s name was changed.
In 2023, the Association undertook a significant rebranding initiative, formally changing its name at its Annual General Meeting to the Local Government Compliance and Enforcement Association of British Columbia (LGCEA). As part of this evolution, the Association’s Board of Directors made the decision to commission a new Coat of Arms, Badge and Letters Patent through the Canadian Heraldic Authority.
Through this process, LGCEA became the first compliance and enforcement association to have a Coat of Arms and Badge designed and granted through the Canadian Heraldic Authority, under the authority of the Governor General of Canada. The process spanned more than three years, from the initial application through consultation, design, approval, and Public Register of Arm, Flags and Badges of Canada, Volume VIII, page 503, on 15th May 2026.
The new heraldic design was developed to honour the Association’s history while reflecting its continued evolution and future. The original Arms and Motto were retained as a tribute to the Association’s heritage and the foundation upon which it was established. The Crest and Supporters were carefully selected to represent the geographic diversity of British Columbia, from Vancouver Island and its coastal regions to the mountains and interior of the province. The animals incorporated into the design were chosen not only for their connection to British Columbia, but also for the qualities and characteristics they symbolize; attributes that reflect the professionalism, service, resilience, integrity, and commitment demonstrated by those working in the compliance and enforcement profession.
Arms: The colours and elements are based on the design of an emblem long used by the Association. The chevron symbolizes protection and represents the role of the Association’s members in community safety and in the protection of the environment. The white peaks allude to the Lions, two iconic mountains located in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. The wavy line represents the Pacific Ocean. The Pacific dogwood is the official flower of the province.
Crest: The raven embodies some of the essential attributes of bylaw enforcement officers, namely intelligence, adaptability and vigilance. The ring represents a circle which, in many cultures, is a symbol of equality. Often associated with harmony, stability and neutrality, blue symbolizes fairness. The blue ring thus highlights the officers’ impartiality in their duty to uphold bylaws and protect communities. The sun, also found in the arms of British Columbia, symbolizes here enlightenment, indicating the learning and networking opportunities the Association provides to its members.
Motto: This Latin phrase meaning “Not for oneself but for all” places the needs and welfare of the community above individual concerns.
Supporters: The wolf epitomizes several qualities crucial to bylaw enforcement officers, such as loyalty, teamwork and effective communication skills. Traditionally seen as the guardian of the animal kingdom, the bear symbolizes the responsibility to protect communities, as well as the strength and courage required in dangerous situations. As a Kermode (or “spirit”) bear, the official mammal of British Columbia, it also indicates the provincial scope of the Association. This is further emphasized by the western red cedar (the official tree of the province), the rock representing the province’s mountain ranges, and the wavy stripes symbolizing the Pacific Ocean.
Badge: The shield repeats the symbolism of the Arms. The maple leaves represent the Canadian identity of the Association, and the Pacific dogwood is the official flower of British Columbia.
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The Lions”: The Indigenous Story and Significance Behind the Association’s Arms