As amalgamation talks continue between Black Diamond and Turner Valley councillors and administrators, residents are being asked to brainstorm possible names.
The neighbouring Towns are seeking name suggestions for the proposed amalgamated municipality over the next two weeks. Suggestions can be supported with drawings, photographs, stories or any medium that communicates why they suggested the name.
“This is an opportunity for the public to help shape the future of our community,” said Turner Valley Mayor Barry Crane. “We want everyone to contribute to the public engagement of naming the new community, remembering that our history will not be lost, but will still be recognized as we move into the future.”
Black Diamond Mayor Ruth Goodwin said the name of the new proposed municipality is intrinsic to the community’s success in the eyes of those living and working within two towns’ boundaries.
“Our residents and business owners want to be able to relate to and identify with a name that best represents a sense of history, recognition and marketability,” she said.
Black Diamond and Turner Valley began negotiations in the amalgamation process after submitting a letter to then Minister of Municipal Affairs Tracy Allard last fall, informing her of their intent to formally enter into amalgamation negotiations.
Negotiations take place during the monthly Friendship Agreement Committee meetings the second Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. Meetings are livestreamed on Turner Valley’s website.
Such items under discussion include whether or not to establish different tax rates for residents living in Black Diamond versus Turner Valley until both get on an even footing, how to handle the fact that Turner Valley uses local improvement levies (a special tax residents in certain areas who might benefit from improvements must pay) for some of its infrastructure requirements while Black Diamond does not, where the municipal office should be located, whether to have a ward electoral or general electoral system and the name of the new city or town.
If the Towns decide to proceed with the amalgamation process, a report and application for amalgamation will be sent to the Minister of Municipal Affairs in September.
Black Diamond and Turner Valley have explored amalgamation twice in the past 35 years. Most recently, in 2007, the idea was voted down in a plebiscite.
In 2012, the councils adopted a Friendship Agreement as a commitment between the Towns to collaborate toward shared services and improvement communication.
Four years later, the newly elected councils agreed to explore the potential of merging.
The Towns received a $150,000 grant from the Alberta Community Partnership to hire a consultant to conduct a feasibility study on amalgamation, which was completed in 2017.
Updated information on decisions around the amalgamation negotiations is available at www.town.blackdiamond.ab.ca and www.turnervalley.ca
Suggested names for the proposed community of Black Diamond and Turner Valley must be submitted to [email protected] or [email protected] by June 6.
The public will have an opportunity to provide feedback on the short-listed names through an online feedback survey starting in mid-June.
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