Borden-Carleton, Prince Edward Island

Oct 31

Borden-Carleton, a small yet historically significant town in Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada, has a flag that reflects its deep-rooted connection to transportation, history, and heritage. The design of the flag is rich in symbolism, representing the town’s past as a major transportation hub and its cultural ties to both Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia. Through its use of colors, shapes, and heraldic elements, the flag of Borden-Carleton tells a story of connection, movement, and tradition.

The flag of Borden-Carleton features a blue field with a prominent white-bordered black saltire, or diagonal cross. Within this saltire, there are alternating gold (yellow) and black rectangles, resembling a railway or transportation route. At the center of the flag is a gold shield bearing a red lion rampant, which is a historical emblem tied to Scotland and Nova Scotia. Each element of the flag has been carefully selected to represent key aspects of Borden-Carleton’s identity and history.

Each component of the flag carries a distinct meaning that reflects the town’s role in Prince Edward Island’s development and its lasting significance. The blue background represents the sky and possibly the waters surrounding Prince Edward Island, emphasizing the town’s maritime connections and geographical location on the island’s southern coast. The black saltire with gold rectangles symbolizes the Confederation Bridge, which connects PEI to mainland Canada. It also alludes to the town’s railway heritage, as Borden-Carleton was historically a key transportation hub before the bridge was constructed. The white border around the saltire highlights the structure and organization of transportation networks, reinforcing the town’s legacy as a major transit point. The central shield with a red lion is a direct reference to the Coat of Arms of Nova Scotia, linking Borden-Carleton to Scottish heritage and Prince Edward Island’s British colonial history.

Borden-Carleton has long played an essential role in Prince Edward Island’s transportation and economic history. Before the construction of the Confederation Bridge in 1997, the town was the primary gateway for people and goods traveling to and from the island. The ferry terminal located in Borden-Carleton was a crucial link between PEI and New Brunswick, making the town an indispensable part of the province’s transportation infrastructure.

The design of the flag honors this legacy, with the saltire and gold rectangles symbolizing movement, trade, and connectivity. By incorporating the imagery of the Confederation Bridge and railway routes, the flag captures the town’s transformation from a ferry-dependent transit hub to a modern entry point to the island.