City of Thorold Flag and Crest

City of Thorold Flag

In 1980, Thorold adopted this red, white and blue design as its official flag. The central position of the ocean-going vessel is a representative of Thorold's unique role in the shipping trade.

The two gold cogs at the top of the flag are symbols of the local industry while at the base; the gold maple leaf emphasizes Thorold's pride in being Canadian.

Situate on the Welland Canal with a population of approximately 22,000, Thorold is the home of the renowned twin flight locks.

Former Mayor Don McMillan suggested a “Thorold Flag” to Reverend Canon Ralph Spence who designed a flag that is a deserving representation of the City of Thorold.

City of Thorold Coat of Arms

When the territory was ceded to the Crown by the Native Indians in the days of Governor John Graves Simcoe, the entire territory was called Lincoln County.

At this time, Thorold Township was designated “Number 9”, which late gave way to its present name. For most of the area, the municipal names came from the subdivisions of old Lincolnshire in England, but Thorold was an exception.

The City received its name from the Thorold family, and the Thorold Coat of Arms was originally created August 26, 1642.

The Coat of Arms consists of three goats springing; at the crest, is a roc buck walking and facing toward the Dexter side with left forepaw raised. The motto: “Cervus non Servus” may be loosely interpreted as “Virility, not Servility”.

A unique feature of the Coat of Arms is the hand, which symbolizes a tale of romance and ambition.

As legend has it, there were two suitors for a prince whose father, the king, was anxious to have an heir for the throne and wanted one of the two suitors to be that heir. To be fair, he decided to have the two suitors take part in a boat race, for his daughter's hand in marriage as the prize. On the day of the race, the king sat on his throne at the waterfront with an empty throne beside him to be filled by the winner of the race, who would become his heir and son-in-law. As the excitement-filled race neared its end the young man who was trailing took out his sword, severed his hand, and tossed it into the empty throne. The king, who felt such an effort deserved recognition, declared that he would be the future husband of the princess. The hand on the crest represents this gesture of sacrifice and ambition.