Look what the city's getting for its 104th birthday!

City of Sault Ste. Marie officials are trying to get our new city flag printed in time for the Sault's 104th birthday this spring.

The new design, featuring the time-honoured Naturally Gifted logo, was approved by City Council tonight.

"We needed to get an approval before we could go and get it printed," said Ward 3 Councillor Matthew Shoemaker, who chaired the city committee that designed the flag.

Shoemaker now hopes to have the flag flying by the city's 104th birthday on April 12.

"I think it's an excellent choice," said Ward 1 Councillor Steve Butland.

"I think it's very nice," added Ward 1's other councillor, Paul Christian.

The design was chosen from more than 25 conceptual designs, two of which made the short list.

Councillor Christian wanted to know whether any attempt was made to obtain public input.

"No, it was a decision of the committee," Shoemaker responded. "I think we had a good spectrum of people."

Also on the flag selection committee were Councillors Susan Myers and Judy Hupponen; Ian McMillan from Tourism Sault Ste. Marie; city corporate affairs officer Lori Ballstadt; deputy city clerk Rachel Tyczinski and Kelly Buller from public works and transportation's sign department. 

Both Councillor Christian and Ward 2 Councillor Susan Myers were particularly grateful for the assistance of Ian McMillan, who was described by Myers as being "really our chief marketer for the city."

The flag's central device shows the city surrounded by purple mountains, Lake Superior (dark blue) and Lake Huron (lighter blue).

The maple leaf represents the Sault's status as a border city.

"The flowing design of the proposed flag is intended to mirror the flow of the St. Marys River," Shoemaker said.

Tonight, City Council called on all Saultites to "fly the flag of Sault Ste. Marie with pride within our community and beyond."