Toronto’s official flag turned 50 this month, and designer Rene DeSantis says he feels both grateful and thankful to see the iconic symbol still flying high today.
Enrolled in graphic design at George Brown College, DeSantis came across a poster by the City of Toronto which invited students to enter a competition for a city flag design. Growing weary of creating fictitious branding for major companies, he decided to put an effort into creating something to represent his hometown.
Seeking inspiration for the project, DeSantis went to Nathan Phillips Square. After looking around for a bit, he says the idea came to him within seconds. DeSantis’s design showcased a white graphic representing the towers of City Hall, placed on a blue background, symbolizing Toronto’s waterfront. Also visible is a “T” for Toronto, as well as a red maple leaf at the base, representing the Council Chamber where all city decisions are made and incorporating Canada’s heritage and national flag.
The flag design won by a landslide on Nov. 6, 1974, beating out more than 700 submissions by Toronto residents.
Toronto’s official flag flew proudly without issue until 1999, its 25th year anniversary. One year prior, Metropolitan Toronto made the once-controversial decision to amalgamate the six municipalities – Toronto, Etobicoke, Scarborough, North York, East York, and York – to form the new City of Toronto. This prompted city officials to consider a brand new design for the flag, launching yet another competition.
DeSantis recalls feeling shocked at the news of this, but says he remained as an active voice in discussions of a new design. After more than 150 entries from the public, council members didn’t end up choosing any of the designs, and with much favour from Torontonians, DeSantis’s design was here to stay (with a few slight modifications.)
“There was a loud cheer from the fellow Torontonians that were in the gallery that day,” DeSantis recounted. “After that, the Toronto flag was new again, and it was simple. It was symbolic, inspiring, iconic and timeless.”
Now at 71-years-old, DeSantis says he feels honoured to see that the flag is still being appreciated and recognized as a city symbol.
“It’s sort of cemented that this is a symbol for Toronto. Toronto has two symbols, basically. One is the Coat of Arms, and I was told that this is now another symbol for the City of Toronto. So I really feel honoured… I finally feel rewarded.”
George Brown College recognized the achievements of their former student, saying that they are “incredibly proud” of his talents in creating a longstanding symbol for the city.
“At George Brown College, we are incredibly proud that our alumnus, Rene DeSantis, created a design that has represented Toronto for 50 years,” George Brown College President Dr. Gervan Fearon said to Now Toronto.
“This flag captures the city’s history and reflects the creative talent cultivated at George Brown. Seeing a student’s vision become such a lasting symbol of Toronto highlights the power of innovation and local pride in shaping our communities.”
The City of Toronto is celebrating this milestone with a flag-raising ceremony on Nov. 14 at 8:30 a.m. at the city hall podium roof, followed by a presentation in council at 9:30 a.m.
