Developed in 2016, the official Coat of Arms was presented to the Municipality by the Governor General, the Honourable David Johnston. Its design incorporates symbols that represent the three former Municipalities (Meaford, Sydenham, and St. Vincent), while also reflecting the area’s local landscape, flora, and history. The Coat of Arms was accepted by former Mayor Barb Clumpus. Learn more about the story behind the design.
Arms
The shield is divided by an angled line pointing to the top center, with its top section blue and bottom section white. The division of the shield alludes to the shape of the Municipality of Meaford (white), with Georgian Bay (blue) to its north. Its two schooners refer to shipbuilding and recreational boating, and represent the east and the west coming together under one municipality. The three apples (Northern Spy, MacIntosh and Honey Crisp varieties, which are native to the area) refer to the local apple growing industry, as well as to the municipality’s emblem, and represent the past, present and future. They also honour its three founders: the Township of St. Vincent, the Township of Sydenham, and the Town of Meaford.
Crest
The pine tree represents the municipality’s natural beauty, and alludes to the trees painted by artists such as Tom Thomson and Fred Haines. The staghorn sumac represents the local flora of the region, while the trillium flower signals the municipality’s home province of Ontario. This rests on a wreath of twisted cloth in white and blue, which may in turn be placed on a helmet draped in cloth mantling in blue lined with white.
Motto
Our Heritage, Our Future
Symbols of Agriculture
Two workhorses, Percherons, each coloured dappled light grey with their tails and manes white and wings blue, represent the municipality’s agricultural identity. Their wings are inspired by Pegasus, the winged horse of the Greek mythology, a supporter in the coat of arms of the Earl of St. Vincent and a symbol reflected in the municipality’s crest. The municipality was named after Lord St. Vincent’s home in England, Meaford Hall, and the former Town of Meaford used his arms as its emblem. Beneath the horses’ hooves sit a garb of wheat, drawn from the Township of Sydenham’s emblem, and the maple branches around their necks from that of the Township of St. Vincent. Ferns are prevalent around trails and natural settings.
Meaford Flag
Include a section on how the crest from the coat of arms is used on the Meaford flag. The flag is displayed at municipal facilities throughout the municipality.
An important design that is rich with meaning, the crest from the Coat of Arms is also used on Meaford’s flag. The flag is proudly displayed at municipal facilities throughout the municipality.
