Crest, Flag and Logo

Learn more about the history of Norfolk County's coat of arms, flag, and logo, including their designs and the symbolism behind each element.

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Coat of Arms
Flag
Logo
Song

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 from the Office of the Mayor and Council. A large-scale version 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 and 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, set on a wreath of twisted cloth in gold and green. The perch indicates that sport fishing is important to the region. The Long Point lighthouse, built in 1916 at the tip of the 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 an ear of grain in its beak, the left wheat and the right rye. They are standing on a compartment of sandy soil with waves at the bottom. Two golden tobacco leaves are placed on the soil.

The hooded warbler is found only in Norfolk County in Canada, making this beautiful bird's appearance unique in Canadian heraldry. The ears of grain they hold and the tobacco leaves below them indicate that they are 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 Canada's trademark laws. 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.

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.

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 symbolize 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, which has eight Councillors and one Mayor. It also represents the first “local government” of Norfolk County, organized in 1850 to include seven townships (Charlottesville, 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, which can be seen on stationary, signage, and publications throughout the County.

Any external partner using the name and Norfolk County logo must seek approval. 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, extension 0.

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 one that the community, 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. 

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.