How many residents truthfully can identify the official flag of the City of St. Thomas?
It’s an important consideration as last week, the city launched a public survey to gather input on the flag’s design and symbolism to determine whether a refresh is in order.
The flag was adopted in 1976 and has not been updated since the city underwent a rebranding in 2017.
Back in May of this year, city council authorized staff to proceed with a review of the flag.
Mayor Joe Preston observed, “Our city flag is a symbol of our shared history and community pride. It’s important that our flag reflects who we are today and where we are headed.”
To get some context on the flag issue, we spoke with Coun. Steve Peters, who would prefer to keep the existing flag, which incorporates symbols that reflect the city’s heritage: a carpenter’s square, maple leaves and a seven-spoked cartwheel representing local history.
Peters stresses all of the symbols are just as relevant today.
A newspaper clipping from July 27, 1977, noted city council of the day would receive the new flag at its next meeting on Aug. 15.
So the city’s survey has been launched almost 48 years to the day that the flag was presented to council.
The article notes “the general theme of the crests and flag is growth and progress, revolving around St. Thomas’ position as a major transportation centre.”
Of note are two white stripes on either side of the maple leaves.
According to the article, the stripes signify that St. Thomas is leaving an imprint on the world.
The green background colour symbolizes growth and progress.
The article also notes the flag was approved by the prestigious College of Arms.
The College of Arms is the official heraldic authority for England, Wales, Northern Ireland and much of the Commonwealth.
Peters wonders should a new flag design be adopted, would this necessitate a change to the city’s coat of arms which incorporates the flag?
In any event, the flag survey, which closes Aug. 30, can be found here.
Written by Ian McCallum
