Fredericton, New Brunswick

Mar 31

The flag of the City of Fredericton, the capital of New Brunswick, features a blue field with a central shield, outlined in black, and a ribbon beneath it bearing the city’s motto. These elements nearly cover the entire height of the flag. The design is a visual representation of the city’s history, heritage, and status, incorporating symbols that tie Fredericton to both its British colonial past and its natural environment.

At the heart of the flag is the city’s coat of arms, a simple white shield with a horizontal top and gently curved sides, forming a pointed "U" shape. The shield contains four key elements: three smaller shields arranged in a two-over-one configuration, and a smaller Latin cross placed at the top. The cross, in brown, is surrounded by many thin brown lines emanating outward, symbolizing light or radiance. Each of the three smaller shields carries a distinctive emblem. The upper-left shield features the Union Jack, while the upper-right shield displays the royal arms of the United Kingdom. Both shields are crowned, emphasizing the city’s historical connection to the British monarchy. The lower shield, slightly larger than the others, depicts a green evergreen tree with a brown trunk, standing on a green mound. This represents the forests of New Brunswick, a key part of the region’s identity and economy.

Beneath the shield is a white ribbon with a red back that wraps around the sides. The ribbon carries the city’s motto, “FREDERICOPOLIS SILVÆ FILIA NOBILIS,” written in red serifed letters. The Latin motto translates to "Fredericton, noble daughter of the forest," highlighting the city’s deep connection to the natural landscape, particularly the forests that surround it.

The elements of the coat of arms are not only decorative but also deeply symbolic. The Union Jack and the royal arms of the United Kingdom reflect Fredericton’s colonial history and its establishment under British rule. The cross at the top symbolizes Fredericton’s status as a cathedral city, emphasizing its religious significance in the region. The evergreen tree symbolizes New Brunswick’s vast forests, which have long been central to the province’s economy and culture.

However, Fredericton’s coat of arms did not conform to the laws of heraldry when it was first created, and it was not officially recorded or approved by the College of Arms in Britain. In 1955, Brigadier Michael Wardell of Fredericton sought approval for the arms from the College of Arms, but was told that the use of the royal emblems could not be sanctioned. Despite this setback, the city’s leaders persisted, arguing that the arms had been in use for over a century and had become an integral part of the city's identity. After years of negotiations, a breakthrough occurred in 1970 when Sir Anthony Wagner, the Garter King of Arms, suggested a petition be made to the Queen. The petition was presented by the Governor General of Canada, following the recommendation of the Lieutenant-Governor of New Brunswick. In 1971, the Queen granted approval for the use of the arms, and the City of Fredericton was formally given the right to bear and use the Royal Arms in perpetuity. This was confirmed with the presentation of Letters Patent on June 10, 1971, granting Fredericton a unique distinction and solidifying its heraldic legacy.

The flag of Fredericton is not only a symbol of the city’s identity but also a reminder of its long history and connection to both the British monarchy and the natural environment. The arms, despite initial challenges, were eventually recognized by the Queen, ensuring that Fredericton’s unique emblem would be preserved for future generations. The flag serves as a visual testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage and its ongoing relationship with its natural and historical roots.