On Saturday, May 12, 2007, the Niagara Regional Police Service unveiled the newly created “Niagara Region Tartan. View a larger tartan sample here. The tartan colours, adapted from the Regional Coat of Arms and Niagara Regional Police crest, were woven into a perfectly balanced design.

To order tartan products, please contact Janet Pilon, Deputy Clerk, Regional Clerk’s Office at 905-685-1571.

The tartan is a perfectly balanced design, rich and varied, resulting in a pleasing representation of the Niagara region. Dark blue represents the vast waters of the two great lakes, Erie and Ontario. Light blue signifies the Niagara River and the Welland Canal, traversing the region adjoining the Great Lakes, promoting international commerce and allowing a myriad of activities for residents and visitors. White is representative of the mighty Niagara Falls, its voluminous rising mists and raging white water rapids. Green symbolizes the fertile, rich and vibrant agriculture of our region, the world-renowned parks and recreational areas. Red is significant of our rich military history. It is a tribute to our predecessors who by their valiant endeavours have preserved our way of life and our great country.

History of the Tartan
In 1995, when the Niagara Region celebrated its 25th Anniversary, the Coat of Arms was unveiled. It was developed through the offices of the Chief Herald of Canada and authorized by Queen Elizabeth II. The central element, the shield, was then incorporated into the crest for the Niagara Regional Police Service. As well, the Chain of Office was created, and includes the coat of arms of each of our 12 area municipalities. To build on this heritage, the tartan colours, taken from the Regional Coat of Arms and Niagara Regional Police crest, were woven into a perfectly balanced design.

In 2006 members of the Niagara Regional Police Pipe Band approached the Chief of Police with respect to developing this new tartan to be worn by the band. Chief Wendy E. Southall approved the proposal which was presented to the Regional Culture Committee. The idea was adopted and presented to Regional Council where the Niagara Region Tartan was unanimously accepted.

Uses of the Tartan
The Niagara Regional Police Pipe Band will proudly wear the tartan, designed by members of the Band. The tartan will be woven in Scotland by the “Lochcarron Weavers” and then made into uniforms by Burnetts & Struth of Barrie Ontario. In recognition of the significance of this important symbol, the tartan will be registered with the Scottish Tartan Authority and The Patent Office. This registration will ensure that no other tartan will be accepted as a “Niagara Tartan”.