Symbols of Norfolk County
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Norfolk County Coat of Arms
On January 16, 2005, the official Coat-of-Arms was unveiled in the Council Chambers of the Norfolk County Administration Building at 50 Colborne St. S., Simcoe, Ontario. The unveiling took place at the annual Mayor’s Levee before a large public gathering of residents, Council, and staff members.
The Coat-of-Arms will be used on the County’s official seal, proclamations, certificates, awards, and invitations originating from the Office of the Mayor and Council. A large-scale version of the Coat-of-Arms can be seen in the Council Chambers during regular working hours.
The following information describes Norfolk County’s Coat-of-Arms as granted by the Canadian Heraldic Authority. The granting of these arms provides sole use and reproduction to the County and is not to be used by others.
Arms
The main part of the shield is green, and on it is a white Eastern dogwood flower with gold seeds. The top third of the shield is gold and set with three green leaves of the tulip tree. Green and gold are the colours used by Norfolk County, appropriate for a municipality with a largely agricultural base. The dogwood flower is a feature of the Carolinian forest, and it appeared on the arms granted to the former Town of Simcoe, as well as on the assumed arms of Norfolk Township. The tulip tree leaf is also a feature of the Carolinian forest, and it is used here for the first time in Canadian heraldry.
Crest
A gold circlet is set with yellow perch with their heads upwards. Rising out of this is the Long Point lighthouse in white. This is set on a wreath of twisted cloth in gold and green. The perch indicate that sport fishing important to the region. The Long Point lighthouse, built in 1916 at the tip of Long Point peninsula in Lake Erie, is a local architectural landmark.
Motto
“History Heritage and Diversity” was chosen to indicate three important ideas from the County.
Supporters
On either side of the shield is a hooded warbler in its natural colours. Each holds in its beak an ear of grain, the left one wheat and the right one rye. They are standing on a compartment of sandy soil with waves at the bottom. Two golden tobacco leaves are placed on the soil.
In Canada, the hooded warbler is found only in Norfolk County, which makes the appearance of this beautiful bird unique in Canadian heraldry. The ears of grain they hold and the tobacco leaves below them indicate some of the important crops grown in the County. The sandy compartment on which they stand marks the County’s location on the north shore of Lake Erie , especially the intrusion of the Long Point peninsula.
Badge
A green disc on which there is a white Eastern dogwood flower with gold seeds. This is based on the arms.
Trademark Restrictions
The use of the Norfolk County Coat-of-Arms is protected under the trademark laws of Canada. The use of the Coat-of-Arms, in print and electronic form, is reserved for ceremonial functions and official communication purposes for legislative and regulatory matters. Unless otherwise specified, no one has permission to copy, redistribute, reproduce, republish or modify the Coat-of-Arms in any form without the written permission of the County Manager.
The original concept for the Coast of Arms: Bruce Patterson, Saguenay Herald, assisted by the Heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. Painter: Debbie MacGarvie. Calligrapher: Doris Wionzek.
Norfolk County Flag
On October 24, 2006, Norfolk County Council approved the adoption of a Norfolk County Flag. Norfolk County staff, in collaboration with members of the Norfolk Heritage Committee, have worked diligently together to develop the colours and final outcome of the new flag. It has now been produced and is available.
The flag depicts the dogwood flower on a dark green background, which symbolizes the following:
- The dark green background represents the lush agriculture prevalent across Norfolk County
- The Dogwood is a Carolinian species native to Norfolk
- The four bracts (petal-like white leaves) surrounding the dogwood flower buds are symbolic of the four former municipalities (Norfolk, Delhi, Simcoe and Nanticoke ) that comprise the new Norfolk County .
- The nine golden seeds represent the current Norfolk County government with eight Councillors and one Mayor. It also represents the first “local government” of Norfolk County organized in 1850 to include seven townships (Charolotteville, Houghton, Middleton, Townsend, Walsingham, Windham and Woodhouse) and one town (Simcoe) – surrounding the new Norfolk County.
Flags sell for $65.00 + HST. To purchase a flag, call ServiceNorfolk at 519-426-5870 or 226-NORFOLK, extension 0, or visit ServiceNorfolk in person at 50 Colborne St S, Simcoe, ON N3Y 4H3.
Norfolk County Logo
The Norfolk County logo was created early in the formation of Norfolk County. The County uses the logo to help brand its identity, and it can be seen on stationary, signage, and publications throughout the County.
Any external partner using the name and Norfolk County logo must seek approval before use. The Norfolk County logo is not intended and shall not be used to endorse a particular product or service.
Lapel pins
Norfolk County lapel pins are available free of charge. For more information or to obtain either item, contact ServiceNorfolk at 519-426-5870 or 226-NORFOLK.
Norfolk County Song
In 2001, the County Council sought input from the community for a song for Norfolk County. The song was to feature the unique and inviting qualities of Norfolk County and the people who live there. The desired effect was that the song would solicit civic pride and be a song that the community at large, school children, and visitors would easily recognize and enjoy.
Four submissions were carefully reviewed, and the song “Norfolk County” by Tom Swiech of Waterford was chosen for its musicality and content.
Norfolk County requires written permission for reproduction. The song is available on CD for $10. For more information or to obtain a CD, contact ServiceNorfolk at 519-426-5870 or 226-NORFOLK.
Verse 1:
On a strip of sandy soil,
Lies a county called Norfolk.
Its Ontario’s south coast you know
And it’s surely not remote
If you pass through or spend a day
Or decide to call it home,
You’ll see why we love it here
And are proud to call it our own.
Chorus:
Norfolk, Norfolk, my southern county home.
Norfolk, Norfolk, we know you can’t go wrong.
With the friendly folk of Norfolk,
You won’t be a stranger long.
Verse 2:
Take in the small town atmosphere.
Be amazed at all that we grow,
Like our kids that go and see the world
And can’t wait to return home.
Drop a line in a placid lake
Or stroll along the shore.
Take a tour on a peaceful country road
You’re bound to be back for more.
Verse 3:
With hard work, we’ve built a dream
That only willing hands could do.
It’s on display at our fall fairs
And at all the festivals too.
Erie beaches, carolinian forests
Where flowering dogwoods bloom;
Patchwork fields and rolling hills
It’s just the place for you.
Repeat chorus and add:
Norfolk, Norfolk, Norfolk, Norfolk
You won’t be a stranger long.