A New Flag for a New Century
The Old Flag
For 25 years we have flown the Duncan flag that is diagonally halved, with a stylized totem on one side and the coat of arms on the other.
The Centennial Committee agreed that it was time to update our flag to represent us in a different way. We will be keeping our Coat of Arms, of course, but it need not be a line drawing on our flag.
The city advertised for designs early in the year and received 6 or seven proposals which ranged from the quirky and fun to extremely professional. What none of the artists considered however, was the purpose of the design: that it was to go on a flag that will be hanging meters from the ground and that should be limited in colour.
Flags started out as battle standards. Flag designs should be simple and symbolic
After much discussion, the committee approved one idea that went through up to 20-25 iterations before everyone on the committee was happy. It was passed unanimously. It was forwarded to council for approval, where it passed in September.
Here is the new flag:
The green at the top represents the mountains and the forests surrounding the city. The blue represents the Cowichan River. In the middle is a circle showing our heritage city hall against the backdrop of Mt. Prevost. Surrounding the city, are five Coast Salish style salmon to represent the five original Cowichan Tribes, Koksilah, Somena, Quamichan, Comiaken and Clemclemaluts.
To get a version of the flag you can colour yourself, click here. (pdf)