The Manchester Coat of Arms dates back to 1842, and pre-dates the Ship Canal by half a century.
* Antelope and chain represents the engineering industries
* Red roses are traditional representations of Lancashire
* Three stripes represent the three rivers of Manchester, the Irk, the Irwell and the Medlock.
* Terrestrial globe covered in bees represent efficient industry (often used around the city as an emblam of Manchester) adopted in the 19th Century
* The ship represents the city's trading base and later Manchester Ship Canal
* Lion and the red castle is a reference to the Roman fort at Castlefield
* 'Concilion et Labore' is latin for 'By Wisdom and Effort'
Hope that clears the matter up.
.