^{This page is part of © FOTW Flags Of The World website}

Edmonton, Alberta (Canada)

1:2 image by Arnaud Leroy, 14 November 2005
Source: Edmonton city hall

Edmonton
Current Flag
Former flags
Edmonton Police Service
Edmonton Airports
Edmonton Indy
Edmonton Klondike Days Flag (1970s)
Northlands
Vimy Ridge Academy
Debate over new design of City of Edmonton Flag
Edmonton International Airport

See also:

Edmonton

Edmonton is the capital city of Alberta, situated on the North Saskatchewan River and the centre of the Edmonton Metropolitan Region, which is surrounded by Alberta's central region.

Current Flag

Text and image(s) from Canadian City Flags, Raven 18 (2011), courtesy of the North American Vexillological Association, which retains copyright. Image(s) by permission of Eugene Ipavec.

The flag of the City of Edmonton is a Canadian pale design of blue-white-blue with a coat of arms in the centre, nearly the full height of the flag. The shield is simple, with a curved top, rounded base, and black outline. A white horizontal stripe divides it into two panels, the upper one-third and the lower two-thirds. The upper panel is blue with a half-circle rising sun depicted with 15 rays, alternating wavy and straight, all in yellow outlined in black. The lower panel is light purple, crossed horizontally in its centre by a wavy blue stripe bordered in white. Above the stripe is a double-winged wheel and below is a sheaf of grain, both in yellow with black details. Behind the shield, extending above and below it, is a mace, containing two stylized wild roses flanking a larger marigold, all in yellow with black details. To the left stands an explorer in brown leather with a bag and powder horn, holding a rifle, in light brown. He wears a Métis sash of blue and brown checks. To the right stands Athena in a blue gown holding a torch and a book, in yellow. They stand on a mound of green. Below the shield is a ribbon in yellow in three sections, inscribed INDUSTRY INTEGRITY PROGRESS in black serif letters. A ribbon in yellow reading EDMONTON in black serif letters arches above the arms.
Alison Wilkes, Canadian City Flags, Raven 18, 2011

Symbolism

White and blue are Edmonton’s official colours and symbolize the ideals of peace and strength. The white also recalls the long months of snow and the blue represents the North Saskatchewan River and the brilliant blue summer sky. The mace acknowledges Edmonton as the capital of the province. The wild rose (Rosa acicularis) is the provincial flower of Alberta; the marigold (Calendula officinalis) is Edmonton’s flower. As there are many varieties of marigolds, the flower symbolizes the more than 50 ethnic groups that make up the city’s population. It also represents sunny Alberta, and Edmonton’s role in the Klondike Gold Rush of the 1890s, when many Canadian routes to the Klondike went through Edmonton. The rising sun symbolizes Edmonton’s above-average amount of summer sunshine. The double-winged wheel represents Edmonton as a centre of aviation and industry, and as a gateway to the North, which it became during World War II as the southern terminus of the famed Alaska Highway. The wavy stripe represents the North Saskatchewan River, which flows through the city. The wheat sheaf symbolizes the importance of agriculture. The explorer recalls the history of the city as a fur trading post; Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, symbolizes education and the colleges and universities in Edmonton, including the University of Alberta. “Industry-Integrity-Progress” has long been the city’s motto.
Alison Wilkes, Canadian City Flags, Raven 18, 2011

Selection

By bylaw (ordinance) of Edmonton’s city council. The city arms were adopted by the city council in 1949, but a formal grant by the Chief Herald of Canada of a similar coat of arms was not made until 8 October 1995.
Alison Wilkes, Canadian City Flags, Raven 18, 2011

Designer

The flag was originally designed in 1966 by Norman Yates, Associate Professor of Art and Design at the University of Alberta, as a gift for the upcoming centennial celebration in 1967. It was adopted by the city council and shown at Expo ’67.
Alison Wilkes, Canadian City Flags, Raven 18, 2011

Use of the Flag

The City of Edmonton has an official policy for the use of its “Community Flag Pole”, located on the southwest corner of the plaza near the Cenotaph, viz:

12. COMMUNITY FLAG/BANNER RAISINGS

12.01 Flags are permitted to be flown for up to one month, but this may be reduced if a scheduling conflict arises with another booking within that same period.
12.02 Groups organizing community banner raising events shall use the community flagpole located on the southwest corner of the plaza near the Cenotaph.
12.03 Groups shall manage the event themselves, and arrange access and operational details with the Communications Branch in advance.
12.04 Groups wishing to leave materials such as wreaths on-site shall inform the Booking Clerk prior to doing so.
12.05 City of Edmonton staff shall not be available for on-site support.
12.06 City of Edmonton shall not be held liable for any materials left on-site.

Source: City of Edmonton, Policy Number A1432, Policy Title City Hall Space Use, dated 30 November 2000, effective date 09 April 2001, under the authority of the City Manager

And that the city also specifies that for processions [in The Edmonton Traffic Bylaw, Part 9, Rules for Parades and Processions, Section 901 (Permit Necessary)[ that

(f)The approximate size, number and nature of flags, banners, placards or such similar things to be carried therein and particulars of signs, inscriptions and wording to be exhibited thereon; and such written application shall bear the signatures and addresses of the persons who will be in control of such parade or procession and who undertake to be responsible for the good order and conduct thereof.

Moreover, the city council's flag is only one of a number of "corporate trademarks". It also has a "City Signature" (logotype), Crest, Flower and Hat.

Source: City of Edmonton, City Policy C240, adopted 20 August 1991 (dates back to 1977).
Colin Dobson, 21 November 2005

Former flags

image located by Valentin Poposki, 14 December 2012

1:2 image by Eugene Ipavec
Source: Canadian City Flags, Raven 18

2:3 image by Eugene Ipavec
Source: Canadian City Flags, Raven 18

Former flag/s of the City of Edmonton, Alberta [13.12.1966]
Source: http://www.facebook.com

Dec. 13, 1966: City council endorses two versions of Edmonton’s official flag "Without a dissenting vote, city council approved two versions of the city’s official flag.

The versions were identical except that one had the words “City of Edmonton” printed beneath the crest, and would be used when the flag was flown outside the city. The other would be used within the city.

Mayor Vincent Dantzer had Norman Yates, associate professor of fine arts at the University of Alberta, incorporate the city’s crest into the design, which featured a simple white background bordered by two vertical blue bars. The white symbolized peace while the blue bars alluded to the river, as the city’s most dominant feature.

The flag would be hung in the council chambers, at flagpoles and from the mast at Pioneerland-Fort Edmonton, the city’s venture at Expo 67 in Montreal. The city flag was updated in 1986."

As you can [read] the flag is similar to the current, but with much wider white field and with different interpretation of the coat of arms. Also, the former flag had two version - with lettering "City of Edmonton" for outdoor less official use, and without lettering for indoor more official use.
Vanja Poposki, 14 December 2012

At least four former versions of the flag have existed, some with outer bars narrower than on a Canadian pale design. Originally the City of Edmonton approved two versions, identical except for one with CITY OF EDMONTON in black sans-serif letters below the arms (later the was added above the other words), for use outside Edmonton. Slight changes were made to the design over the years and the flag was officially updated in 1986 and after the formal grant of arms in 1995. The flag now includes a scroll bearing the city’s name above the coat of arms, along with changes to Athena. These changes have been a source of contention for the original flag designer.
When preparing to donate a signed copy of the flag for a local fundraiser in 1986, Professor Yates went to City Hall to get one, and found that it significantly different than his 1966 original. The city had no official records to indicate how or why the design had changed but suggested the original design was forgotten over time and that when the flag was ordered again in the 1970s, it took on a design including the original arms. In a hearing in 1987 to determine the flag’s fate, the city decided on a more updated version of the city arms suggested by the city’s visual identity committee. After the hearing, a disappointed Yates commented that the new Athena resembled a “modern-day Bo-Peep”. He added that the new flag was a bad decision and placing the name of the city on the flag seemed provincial; he felt his original flag was truer to good flag design.
Alison Wilkes, Canadian City Flags, Raven 18, 2011

Edmonton Police Service

Flag
image by Valentin Poposki, 10 December 2021

Crest Detail
image contributed by Darrell Neuman, 14 March 2009

On Thursday, January 22, 2009, at an official ceremony held at City Hall the new flag and crest symbolizing the City of Edmonton Police Service was unveiled to the general public for the first time. This ceremony marks the culmination of nearly a decade of the Department’s efforts to get a flag and crest officially reviewed and sanctioned by Queen Elizabeth. This formal approval was necessary because of the depiction of the Royal Crown as part of the overall design.

On this flag there are the names of seven fallen officers: Const. Frank Beevers (1918), Const. William Nixon (1919), Const. George Vaughan (1949), Const. George Donnelly (1955), Const. Dave Romano (1956), Sgt. Malcolm Jack (1959) and Const. Ezio Faraone (1990).

The new police flag is similar in design to the municipal flag with the removal of the supporters which flank the crest – an explorer in a fur hat holding a rifle and Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom. A rising sun represents long hours of sunshine during the summer, wings for Edmonton’s aviation history and a wavy blue line representing the North Saskatchewan River. Wild roses on the flag represent the official flower of Alberta.
Darrell Neuman, 14 March 2009

Edmonton Airports

image contributed by Darrell Neuman, 24 April 2006

The Flag of Edmonton Airports which runs the Edmonton International and City Center Airports.
Darrell Neuman, 24 April 2006

The airport authority logo, three blue rounded bars in decreasing size from the top over the airport name, divided by an incomplete white triangle, itself divided by a red triangle to five the appearance of: stylized wings surmounted by a runway.

About Edmonton Airports:

From http://www.edmontonairports.com/docs/yeg_econ.pdf

In August 1992, Edmonton International Airport (YEG) was devolved from the federally run Transport Canada airport network to be locally owned by Edmonton Airports, a not-for-profit, provincially incorporated company. YEG has emerged from this management transition as a community-operated airport granted the opportunity to establish commercial viability and independence by directly serving the needs of its customer base.
Edmonton Airports owns and operates a network of airports, including Edmonton International Airport, City Centre Airport, Cooking Lake Airport and Villenueve Airport. These airports serve the greater Edmonton area, Central Alberta, Northern Alberta, and northern regions of BC.
EDMONTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (YEG)

Edmonton International Airport was 5th ranked passenger airport in Canada in 2001. Since its transfer from Transport Canada in 1992, the passenger traffic at YEG has grown 9% on average per annum, making it one of the fastest growing major airports in Canada. Site statistics report a total of 3.9 million enplaned and deplaned passengers in 2001.

From: the authority's Conolodation Report Card:

In 1995, Edmontonians voted overwhelmingly (77%) in a referendum to consolidate scheduled passenger air services at Edmonton International Airport. Subsequently, Edmonton City Centre Airport became a dedicated corporate and general aviation facility. Merging passenger operations at Edmonton International Airport (YEG) increases the potential to provide expanded and improved air service to the Capital Region. Two leading aviation consultants, InterVISTAS Consulting Inc. and Sypher Mueller International, were engaged to objectively measure and evaluate the success of Edmonton Airports in achieving the stated benefits of consolidation as forecasted in 1995. This report represents a summary of their findings and an evaluation of the following air service changes over the past decade:
Passenger traffic growth;
Growth in the number of nonstop destinations;
Changes in weekly flight frequency and seat capacity;
Service changes that have solidified YEG's role as the Gateway to the North; and
Passenger growth performance at YEG as compared to other airports

Other airports managed by the Authority:

Villeneuve Airport (http://www.edmontonairports.com/bins/content_page.asp?cid=15-54)

The primary flight training facility of the Edmonton Capital Region, the Villeneuve Airport features two paved runways (3500 feet x 100 feet). The Villeneuve Tower operates daily from 0800 - 2200 hours.
A small public terminal facility is located next to the tower.
The airport is also home to a number of commercial enterprises including aircraft flight training and aircraft maintenance.
Villeneuve is often the site of air cadet glider training

Edmonton City Centre Airport (http://www.edmontonairports.com/bins/content_page.asp?cid=15-53)

ECCA is home to small charters, private and corporate aircraft, training, military, industrial and medevac flights. ECCA has everything the general aviation enthusiast needs from fixed base operators to aircraft painting and maintenance to all the advantages of being located within the City.

Cooking Lake Airport (http://www.edmontonairports.com/bins/content_page.asp?cid=15-55)

Services at Cooking Lake Airport include a flight training school, charter services, aircraft maintenance and repair establishments. 100LL fuel is also available. Used primarily for privately owned float planes and small wheeled aircraft, the facility is equipped for VFR day/night with a rotating beacon, Visual Approach Slope Indicator System (VASIS), Aircraft Radio Control of Aerodrome Lighting (ARCAL), and an Automated Weather Observation Station (AWOS).
One of the most unique features of this facility is that it is Canada's only "bare land condominium airport". The owners of the hangar lots comprise the condominium association. Future lots will be developed.

Phil Nelson, 30 April 2006

Edmonton Indy

image contributed by Darrell Neuman, 27 July 2009

This is the flag of the Edmonton Indy Car Race which takes place the last weekend in July. This event occurs at the City Center Airport which City Council has decided will be closed over a number of years with portions of the land being sold off for commercial and residential development. NAIT is also looking to expanding its campus on land currently being used by the airport. The car race has not been profitable and may be discontinued after the final year of a five year agreement has expired.
Darrell Neuman, 27 July 2009

Edmonton Klondike Days Flag (1970s)

image contributed by Darrell Neuman, 23 July 2010

The Edmonton Klondike Days flag features “Klondike Mike” the traditional mascot of this summer festival which was held each year in July. The representation of Klondike Mike on the flag over the years had undergone significant design changes. The design of this particular flag I believe dates back to the early 1970s.

The marketing of Klondike Days and the Klondike theme has been discontinued and replaced by a summer festival called CapitalEx.
Darrell Neuman, 23 July 2010

This past weekend the Edmonton Journal newspaper had an article about designing a new municipal flag for the City of Edmonton. This is the link to this article: http://edmontonjournal.com/news/insight/maybe-the-magpie-defines-us-creativity-meets-symbolism-as-support-grows-to-redesign-the-city-flag

Another design suggestion features a bird: the magpie.

The debate over the design of a new city flag has just started and no real progress is likely to happen until after the municipal elections in 2017.
Darrell Neuman, 26 September 2016

Edmonton International Airport

image by Dave Fowler, 20 December 2021

Flag is the corporate logo on white.
Dave Fowler, 20 December 2021