St. Thomas, Ontario (Canada)

From http://www.city.st-thomas.on.ca/about_flag.htm (link no longer available):

Pursuant to a warrant issued by the Earl Marshall and Heredity Marshall of the College of Arms, dated September 16th, 1975, the Arms and Crest set out therein were granted and assigned unto the Corporation of the City of St. Thomas, to be borne and used forever thereafter by the said Corporation on seals or otherwise according to the Laws of Arms.

In conjunction with that Grant of Arms, a City Flag was designed by the College of Arms and formally the Arms which have been reproduced on the City Flag, are described as follows:

"Vert between two Bendlets Argent three Maple Leaves palewise in chief, a Carpenter's Square and in base a seven-spoked Cartwheel Or"

The symbolism of this design expresses both the heritage of St. Thomas and it's future aspirations built upon that heritage.

The basic colour of the Flag is light green symbolizing the growth and vitality of the City.

The Carpenter's Square in the upper right hand corner is a symbol of St. Thomas the Apostle, the Patron Saint of Builders. This also symbolized the progressiveness of the city.

The two diagonal lines enclose three maple leaves which symbolize the loyalty of the Citizens of St. Thomas to Canada, the Queen and respect for the authority of government at the three levels; municipal, provincial and federal.

A seven spoked wheel is emblazoned within the lower left hand corner. This symbolizes a wheel of progress. It's seven spokes represent the seven townships of Elgin County; Aldborough, Bayham, Dunwich, Malahide, South Dorchester, Southwold and Yarmouth. The whole of the wheel symbolizes the County of Elgin, with the City of St. Thomas, the County Seat, at the hub. The wheel is also symbolic of St. Thomas as an historically significant rail centre and developing industrial centre with emphasis on the automotive and transportation industries.

Dov Gutterman, 23 December 2003