Should we ditch the Capital Region and call ourselves Metro Edmonton?
It’s an idea that’s been floating around media and political circles as of late, and local leaders say it’s not a bad one.
Local governments have long referred to the region around Edmonton as the Capital Region (e.g. the Capital Region Board).
But there are a lot of “capital regions” in the world, notes Lynda Moffat, chair of the St. Albert Chamber of Commerce – Ottawa calls itself the capital region of Canada, for example.
“For us to be known as a capital region, it’s very difficult to use (that) for branding or marketing purposes outside of Alberta.”
Moffat says she supports the idea of ditching Capital Region in favour of Metro Edmonton, noting that local chambers already rally together as the Greater Edmonton Region Chambers of Commerce.
“I’m not sure even if ‘Metro Edmonton’ is exciting enough,” she says, but the name should have “Edmonton” in it somewhere.
Metro Edmonton may have more name recognition behind it than Capital Region, says Sturgeon County Mayor Tom Flynn – an important trait to have when drawing international investment.
“I’m not quick to want to change,” he says, but he sees how this name change could benefit the county.
St. Albert Mayor Nolan Crouse says this term has probably already taken hold without anyone realizing it.
“I am certain when someone is on a trade mission to China, they don’t use ‘Capital Region,’ but rather they use ‘Edmonton’ as their area point of reference.” People do the same for Regina, Halifax and Montreal, he adds.
“Frankly, I could go either way,” he continues. He’s loyal to the term Capital Region, but can see how Metro Edmonton makes sense.
Making the change official – say, by turning the Capital Region Board into the Metro Edmonton Board – would probably cause more political headaches than it’s worth, he adds.
