(VANCOUVER) – The new official City Flag was unanimously adopted.
Mayor Anne McEnery-Ogle, Vancouver Flag Committee members and city councilors introducing new banner
The new banner, featuring Columbia River symbolism, natural environment, and iconic landmarks, was developed following a community-led design and feedback process.
“This project was facilitated by a volunteer selection committee including two of our city council members, three commissioners from the culture arts and heritage commission, including myself, and two youth,” Rose Mendoza, flag committee chair, said. “We received 138 entries.”
Mendoza added that national and global entries were gathered along with local submissions.
Presentation slide of all the required elements adopted for the new flag design
“We released a public feedback survey, which we received 11430 responses, and we also received 5,400 interactions via social media as well,” Mendoza said.
The flag committee chair said the final design provides a clear connection to the land and geography through its layout and colors, as well as the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, offering symbols that highlight Vancouver's past and future together.
“On October 28, the committee met to discuss the results of the community feedback, deliberate, and proposed a new city flag,” Mendoza said. “At this meeting, the committee unanimously chose a recommended flag for city council consideration and adoption.”
The flag committee consisted of seven members, including the mayor and one councilor
The flag tells a story of a community shaped by the Columbia River, which had a deep sense of place for generations. Mendoza pointed out the flag’s green that symbolizes Vancouver's forest parks and commitment to sustainability.
“The emblem draws inspiration from Vancouver's iconic landmarks, including the fort, which calls to our history,” Mendoza said, adding the bell tower looks to our future.
The Grant Street Pier, which also looks to the future, according to Mendoza, is “a nod to the past and a symbol of forward progress."
Additionally, the notable Chevron symbol shows the Vancouver connection between the land and the water, which moves down in the path forward and down to the field of blue, representing the Columbia River that shows the community's deep connection to the river that shaped the city’s culture, economy, and sense of place.
New Vancouver flag detailed by color and meaning finalized after a due process
Council Kim Harless went into the process, she worried. That went away quickly.
“I learned more of how much character was brought in to all the symbology in there that worry went away,” Harless said. “So, I'm really grateful for all of the work and effort you all have done, bringing in the community, and thank you for all of the public comments that came in on this.”
Now that the formalities are complete, the committee will introduce the flag publicly before the tree lighting on November 28 at 3 p.m.
“We're going to raise the flag above city hall, and then we're all going to walk across the street and join the community for the celebration of the tree lighting,” Mendoza said, adding that the two designers will receive a key to the city.
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