A modern Chain of Office is composed of several elements joined together with pieces of chain, from which hangs a medallion. Chains of Office are almost always sewn onto a velvet collar, which is not only decorative, but makes the chain much more comfortable to wear.
Upon inauguration of a mayor, the Chain of Office is symbolically placed around the Mayor’s neck and is traditionally worn throughout the inauguration ceremony at the first meeting of city council. The mayor also wears the chain of office on ceremonial occasions when he/she appears (attends) in his/her official capacity, as a mark of pride of the City in which we live. It acknowledges the responsibilities, authority and dignity, which are attached to the office of mayor.
When not in use, the chain of office may be viewed in a display case to be located at the City Hall. The chain of office includes 34 name bars for all of our mayors past and their dates of office, starting with Selkirk’s first Mayor James Colcleugh – 1882-1885.
As the chain of office has been designed to designate and to reflect on our history, it includes a suspended medallion of the City of Selkirk Crest, the Manitoba Coat of Arms and Canadian Coat of Arms. The custom pieces include the Manitoba Crocus, this early spring flower is known as the floral emblem of the Province; the Scottish thistle to signify Selkirk’s Scottish heritage; the buffalo, once roaming freely here and also Manitoba’s symbol; Manitoba Hospitals – to signify Selkirk’s history associated with mental health and psychiatric care; as well, Selkirk General Hospital educated licenced practical nurses;; Steel/Metal Recycler – indicating Selkirk’s relationship with Gerdau Ameristeel (formally known as Manitoba Rolling Mills), a world leader in the steel industry in production, service and quality, located right here for over a century; the Ox Cart, signifying our early form of travel (transportation) and our Metis heritage. Finally the Keenora ship – Manitoba’s oldest and best loved steamship signifying Selkirk’s rich heritage in Manitoba’s nautical history and waterways transportation of goods and products to the North. The Keenora is the anchor ship of Manitoba’s only inland marine museum located here in Selkirk.
This chain of office will be worn with pride and dignity honouring the Mayors of the City of Selkirk.
For over a thousand years, originating with the Dukes of Normandy, civic authorities have borne an official seal incorporating the arms of the authority. This seal was originally worn on a gold chain around the neck of the Chief Official. The practise of wearing a Chain of Office has become steeped in historic tradition, and is one that is followed not only by elected officials, but by the executives of civic organizations as well. 
