Coat of Arms and Flag
Coat of Arms
In 1668, Father François Salignac de Fénelon founded a school and a mission post for the Indians on the actual site of our City. This first mission was called “La Présentation”. Father Fénelon was from a noble family whose insignia bore an eagle. On the City of Dorval’s crest, the eagle was introduced symbolically. In fact, it represents in a heraldic fashion the Dorval airport. It is the emblem of strength, majesty and power. Three green stripes on a golden background symbolize loyalty, generosity and glory. As for the patriarchal cross, it represents the emblem of Christianity. Finally, the silver lion comes from the family crest of Pierre Le Gardeur de Repentigny, the husband of Agathe de Saint-Père.
In 1685, the Sulpicians conceded the domain “La Presentation” to Agathe de Saint-Père. After she sold “La Presentation”, she became the first linen and cloth manufacturer of Canada. She also created and introduced maple sugar in France.
In 1691, she conceded the domain “La Présentation” to Jean-Baptiste Bouchard dit d’Orval, a voyageur and fur-trader who eventually made history by passing on his name to the City of Dorval. His father had added to his name the word “d’Orval”, which was the name of a small hamlet where he was born in Aisne, a province of Île-de-France. That is the reason for the French crown that dominates the City crest. This crown was stylized to represent a fortification such as the Fort of “La Présentation”.
The maple leaves represent our great country, Canada. Green is the colour of nature, youth and optimism. The leaves are held by a red bow, red being symbolic of justice, courage, heroism and strength while serving just causes.
The latin moto means: “I am the door to the world”. This saying complements the eagle, king of the skies. It brings to mind the Dorval airport activity.
Three centuries ago, this City was a well-established Christian community. It has become a premier City through which many persons enter and leave this wonderful country.
Flag
According to the resolution adopted in 1983, the official city flag has the Dorval crest, mentioned above, inside a white circle, and with a red background.