Yorkton, Saskatchewan

Jul 19

In early January 1982, Yorkton, Saskatchewan, unveiled its new city flag, a design that encapsulates the community's identity and pride. The flag was the result of a city-sponsored competition aimed at fostering civic engagement and creating a unifying symbol for Yorkton's residents. Dean Printz, a former Yorkton resident then residing in Melville, emerged as the winner, earning a $125 prize for his design.

The flag features two shades of gold, providing a visually appealing contrast that conveys warmth and prosperity. Central to the design is a stylized maple leaf, a national emblem of Canada, symbolizing unity and the natural beauty of the country. In the corner of the flag resides the city crest, adding a touch of formality and historical significance to the overall design.

Following the flag's unveiling at City Hall, Mayor John Wytrykush took proactive steps to integrate the new symbol into the community. He presented a flag to each school in Yorkton, ensuring that the city's youth would grow up with a shared emblem of their hometown. This initiative not only promoted unity but also instilled a sense of local pride among students.

The adoption of the new flag coincided with the publication of "York Colony to Treasure Chest City," a history book produced by the Yorkton Centennial Committee and the City of Yorkton. This period marked a concerted effort to celebrate and document the city's rich heritage, with the new flag serving as a contemporary symbol of Yorkton's evolving identity.

The design elements of the flag—the dual shades of gold, the stylized maple leaf, and the city crest—work in harmony to represent Yorkton's past, present, and future. The gold hues suggest a bright and prosperous future, while the maple leaf connects the city to the broader Canadian identity. The inclusion of the city crest grounds the design in Yorkton's unique history and traditions.