Previously the Ottawa flag had been a purple, red and blue tricolour. This flag was adopted by the city in 1901 and when it was replaced it was the oldest municipal flag in Canada. The three colours were intended to represent purple for the monarchy, red for the Liberals[citation needed], and blue for the Conservatives[dubious– discuss]. The flag was not popular, however, with few liking its appearance. It also violated rules of heraldry by placing colour next to colour. In 1987, in an attempt to spruce it up, the city's coat of arms was added to the centre. There was little controversy when the transition board decided the new city should get a new flag.