A unique and diverse community where peace, plenty and progress flourish
Located in the Headwaters of Canada's Heritage River, the Grand River, within the County of Dufferin, the land area defined as the Corporation of the Township of Amaranth is occupied by a diversity of landscape features, rivers, wetlands, wildlife and, most importantly, residents with a strong pride in the sustainability of their community.
The Township is a cosmopolitan of neighbourhoods and hamlets, like Laurel and Waldemar, nestled amongst a strong and vibrant agricultural community, surrounded by the towns of Orangeville, Grand Valley and Shelburne. Also within commuting distance of large urban centres, such as Toronto, Brampton, Guelph, Kitchener, Waterloo, Alliston, Barrie and Collingwood, Amaranth offers enjoyment year-round.
"Immortal Amaranth" wrote Milton in his "Paradise Lost" poem, for the never-fading flower of the poets, probably led to the naming of this Township.
Amaranth Flag
There's a brand new symbol of civic pride flying above the Amaranth municipal building
By Richard Vivian, Staff Writer, The Orangeville Banner
Jul 24, 2008
There's a brand new symbol of civic pride flying above the Amaranth municipal building. The township recently unveiled its first flag, after holding a contest to find a suitable design. "We're hoping that we'll start to see them flying all over the municipality soon," says Coun. Jane Aultman. "I think it's kind of neat that we have one." While working on promotional efforts, the township's economic development and sustainability advisory committee discovered there had never been a municipal flag. So last fall it launched a contest to design one. No criteria were provided -- the only stipulation was it had to come from the imagination of township residents. Twenty-one submissions were received, Aultman says.
Red, Gold and White
The chosen design incorporates municipal colours and symbols of local significance. "It's all based on environment," explains contest winner Teresa Brownell, who lived in Amaranth at the time. She explains a red panel represents the highbush cranberry, which is native to the area, a yellow/gold panel is symbolic of agriculture, and a white panel stands for snow -- "It's not Amaranth without snow," she says.
The flag also features a triskelion -- "It's a modern twist on the Trillium, another plant that grows abundantly in Amaranth." -- and the municipal crest. Oval shapes within the triskelion represent a coming together of the community. The triskelion itself is depictive of progress, Brownell adds. "It's pretty amazing," she says of having her design chosen. "It's a nice feeling to see your ideas come to life and out in the public." "All of the submissions were very focussed on what Amaranth meant to the individual who submitted," notes Aultman. "Teresa's was chosen for the symbolism and the simplicity -- it wasn't too busy for a flag."
The flag was first raised Canada Day, during celebrations at the municipal office. It will be used as a promotional tool at various events aimed at building awareness of Amaranth as a place for residential and business development, Aultman says. It's also featured on the township website. Flags are being sold at cost ($25) from the Amaranth municipal office. They will be presented to all schools in the township.