The Municipal District of Foothills wants to be known as Foothills County and they're applying to the province for the change.

Reeve Larry Spilak says the pros and cons of the idea have been discussed by past and present councils for some time now.

Spilak points out that "county" is more recognizable, especially where national and international investors are concerned.

"When you go out nationally and internationally to encourage business to come to your region, there is need to understand what the destination is," Spilak says. "Is it a town, is it a city or is it a county? And they certainly don't understand what an MD is."

He explains that of the 64 rural districts in Alberta, there are 47 now known as counties, and that number's growing. He points out that Rockyview, which he says became known as a county about 10 years ago, has created a significant amount of development and he feels that can be partially attributed to the recognition of that area, by potential businesses, as a county.

"You want to be recognized for what you are," he says. "And by doing that, you can attract businesses, the commercial and the manufacturing industries. The primary reason for that, of course, is to create a larger tax base and that can offset the residential tax."

Spilak says costs to the change will be minimal. He adds that gateway signage with the municipality is aging and plans are already in place to replace it, likely sometime next year, so they feel the timing is right for the change.

"As far as any other changes, all stationary, logos and signs will be replaced with the new logo when the existing inventory is used up or worn out. Until then, we will not spend a dime on anything new, it has to be a replacement."

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