Calgary, Alberta

May 20

The flag of the City of Calgary is a bold and symbolic representation of the city’s history, culture, and spirit. Adopted in 1989, the flag features a striking design with a red field, white stripes, and a prominent stylized letter "C" at its centre, embodying elements that are essential to the city's identity. The flag incorporates traditional imagery and contemporary symbols that reflect Calgary's growth, its deep connection to its western roots, and its welcoming nature.

The flag's design consists of a red field with two white horizontal stripes at the upper and lower edges. The color red is significant in Calgary's history, as it recalls the scarlet uniforms of the North-West Mounted Police, which were instrumental in establishing law and order in the region. Additionally, red and white are often associated with Calgary's hospitality and its community spirit, reinforcing the city's warm and welcoming nature.

Dominating the left half of the flag is a large, stylized white letter "C," which is outlined with a narrow red line along its outer edge, giving it a distinctive and sharp appearance. The letter "C" represents several aspects of Calgary’s identity. Most notably, it symbolizes the city itself and its centennial celebration, marking Calgary’s evolution over the years. It also reflects the character, culture, and charm of the city’s community, as well as the harmony that exists within Calgary’s diverse population.

Within the open side of the "C" is a white, stylized cowboy hat, which is a direct reference to Calgary’s world-famous rodeo, the Calgary Stampede. The cowboy hat is an iconic symbol of the city's western heritage and is an integral part of Calgary's image. The Stetson hat placed inside the "C" also symbolizes the citizens living within their city, further emphasizing the connection between the people and the community they have built. The hat's design and placement in the flag highlight Calgary’s proud cowboy culture, which is central to its reputation.

The white cowboy hat itself has become a symbol of Calgary over the years, with a fascinating history behind its rise to prominence. First manufactured and sold in Calgary in 1946 by Morris Shumiatcher, the “Smithbilt” white Stetson hat became an emblem of the city. In 1948, a group of Calgary Stampeder football fans, including Alderman Don Mackay, wore these hats to the Grey Cup championship in Toronto and presented them to the mayor of Toronto and other dignitaries as a way to promote Calgary. By 1950, Mackay, now the mayor of Calgary, established the tradition of giving white cowboy hats to dignitaries and visitors, symbolizing the city’s hospitality and pride. Today, the city continues to present these iconic hats, which are crafted by Smithbilt, to thousands of visitors each year.