Local artists may have a chance to help design Whistler's official coat of arms.
Council has set the ball rolling to develop a municipal coat of arms through the Canadian Heraldic Authority to be used on official documents.
It could take more than a year to develop, but council is hoping to have it in place in time for Whistler's 40th anniversary in September 2015.
But, it also wants some control on what the armorial bearings look like; they are valid forever after all.
"We cannot appoint our own artist," said Shannon Story, manager of legislative service in her presentation to council at its last meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Councillor Jayson Faulkner suggested that local artists could come up with a few drafts, which could then be sent to Ottawa for final interpretation.
"My experience is that everything comes down to the artist," said Faulkner.
The details have yet to be worked out but council was on board with his suggestion.
"I would think it's just going to save them (the Canadian Heraldic Authority) time and effort," agreed Story when asked if Whistler could submit preliminary designs.
Whistler must submit a description of what it would like to see represented in its coat of arms — things like local plants and flowers, animals, reoccurring colours that are meaningful to the municipality, distinguishing shapes and a motto or a phrase.
"All we're doing is describing what we want in picture form rather than words," said Mayor Nancy Wilhelm-Morden.
The development of the coat of arms will cost Whistler roughly $5,000.
"This is something I had discussed with council quite some time ago," said the mayor.
Wilhelm-Morden added that she would like to be the council appointee on the new coat of arms committee.
