The small Canadian town of Asbestos that decided it needed a rebrand has done away with the name derived from its mining heritage.
The Quebec town, home to some 7,000 people, voted for “Val-des-Sources” as its new moniker.
The town was once the location of the world’s largest asbestos mine.
It was given the English name for the mineral – rather than the French amiante – in the late 19th Century.
But the town’s council said the connotation hindered its ability to attract foreign investment, and announced last November that the hunt was on for a new name.
The town, about 150 km (95 miles) east of Montreal, finally announced the winning title with some fanfare on Monday evening.
It was picked after a lengthy consultation and a vote by town residents, including those as young as 14.
About half the town residents eligible to cast ballots did so. Val-des-Sources won with just over 51% of the vote in the third round of voting.
The name is “above all, inspiring for the future”, Mayor Hugues Grimard said.
Source: BBC