Sudbury, Ontario

From Greater Sudbury web site

The official flag for the City of Greater Sudbury was unveiled at City Council this evening (13 May 2004) during a special dedication ceremony. The flag, designed by the Canadian Heraldic Authority, was donated to the City by the Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire (IODE) Elizabeth Fry Chapter, Sudbury Branch.

Branch President Laurel Scott and members Anadel Hastie and Judy Smith presented the flag to Greater Sudbury Mayor David Courtemanche. "On behalf of Council and the citizens of Greater Sudbury, I would like to thank the IODE Elizabeth Fry Chapter, Sudbury Branch for their generous contribution to our City," said Mayor Courtemanche. Formed in 1932, the Elizabeth Fry Chapter, Sudbury Branch consists of women who work together for the public good of their community, founded on service, education and citizenship.

The Canadian Heraldic Authority is responsible for the creation of new coats of arms, flags and badges for Canadian citizens and corporate bodies. The flag, which complements the City Crest, is for use at ceremonial occasions and will be placed in Council Chamber.

The primary colours of the flag are green and gold, similar to the City's corporate colors. According to the Heraldic Authority, green symbolizes hope, joy and loyalty. The origin of the word "green" lies in the ancient word "ghro" which means "grow and prosper". Green also appropriately recognizes that Greater Sudbury has positioned itself on the world stage as a leader in regreening.

The colour gold is associated with generosity, reason and immortality. It is also one of the most precious metals in the history of mankind, a precious metal that is able to stand the test of time. Pure gold is little affected by exposure to the elements and does not deteriorate. Like gold, the spirit of community does not deteriorate but is able to stand the test of time. The use of "gold" is also representative of the mineral rich nature of Greater Sudbury.

The flag features the shield elements of the City Crest - a traditional five point golden star and a series of stylized coniferous trees. The north star is a traditional guide for navigation. The north star is also symbolic of Greater Sudbury as the leading City of northeastern Ontario, the hub of the north. According to the Heraldic Authority, a five point star can also represent the characteristics of a good citizen, which are fortitude, loyalty, righteousness, prudence, and broad-mindedness.

The coniferous trees represent the original old growth white pine forests that once covered this area of Northern Ontario. The lumber industry is one of the original industries of Greater Sudbury. The trees also represent the regreening efforts of the past quarter century, the effect of which will be most evident in this century. The white pine serve to honour those who participated in the regreening of Greater Sudbury.

Phil Nelson, 28 November 2004

Per fess sapiné Vert and Or, in dexter chief a mullet Or.
Pascal Vagnat, 1 August 2005, citing Public Register of Arms, Flags and Badges of Canada