Ottawa, Ontario

May 8

The flag of Ottawa, Canada’s capital, is a striking design that symbolizes the city’s vibrancy, unity, and connection to its natural landscape. Featuring a highly stylized "O" in the centre, the flag divides its field into blue and green sections, with the "O" acting as the key visual element. This modern and symbolic design reflects Ottawa's role as a dynamic, forward-moving city, while also representing the city’s geographical features and its people’s collective spirit.

The flag’s design centres around the large, white "O" which is positioned in the middle of the flag, touching both the upper and lower edges. This symbol, representing the first letter of "Ottawa," conveys the city’s modern identity and the energy of its newly amalgamated municipal structure. The "O" divides the flag into two sections: a blue section on the left (hoist) and a green (aquamarine) section within and to the right (fly) of the "O." These two colours—blue and green—are significant, as they reflect the landscape and the natural features of Ottawa, including its rivers, waterways, and green spaces.

The "O" logo is not just a simple letter; it is a dynamic and meaningful design element. Three streamers, which emanate upward from the left side of the "O," suggest a stylized maple leaf, a national symbol of Canada, while also evoking the spires of the iconic Parliament Buildings, which are located in the heart of the city. The streamers, with their pointed tips, subtly nod to local architecture, adding another layer of meaning to the design. Beyond representing the city’s national and architectural identity, the streamers also convey values such as hope, harmony, and the collective effort of the city’s citizens working toward a common goal. These qualities were important as the flag was developed in the wake of Ottawa’s amalgamation of several communities in 2001, and the streamers symbolize the unified future of the new city.

The blue section of the flag represents the rivers and waterways that are integral to life in Ottawa. The city is located at the confluence of the Ottawa, Rideau, and Gatineau rivers, and these waterways have historically played an essential role in the city's development. The green section of the flag highlights Ottawa’s renowned quality of life, emphasizing its abundant green spaces, parks, and commitment to sustainability. These areas are cherished by Ottawa residents and form a key part of the city’s charm.

The flag was developed following a public consultation process in which over 1,000 residents from all corners of the Ottawa-Carleton region participated. The city’s Visual Identity Advisory Committee, alongside the Canadian Heraldic Authority, oversaw the creation of the flag. The design concept itself was developed by a commercial design firm, and it was chosen after rejecting other designs, including one based on a new coat of arms for the amalgamated city. Instead, Ottawa opted to retain the arms of the former city of Ottawa.

First flown on January 24, 2001, the flag came into existence following the amalgamation of twelve different communities, including the cities of Cumberland, Gloucester, Kanata, Nepean, and Ottawa, among others. The design reflects not just the physical beauty of the city but also the strong, collective identity of its diverse and dynamic population.