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Confusion over 2 Vancouvers an election issue

Last Updated: Monday, November 2, 2009 | 4:02 PM PT

CBC News

Residents of Vancouver, Wash., go to the polls Tuesday and the outcome of the election could change the city — or at least its name.

A slate of candidates is poised to form a majority on council, and one platforms calls for a new name for the city in the southwestern corner of the state.

Supporters want to switch to the name, Fort Vancouver, arguing it's the only way to avoid confusion with the much larger city of Vancouver, B.C., 500 kilometres to the north.

Fort Vancouver was named and founded by the Hudson's Bay Co. in 1825. It was changed to Vancouver in 1857.

The city of Vancouver, B.C., was incorporated under that name in 1886.

If supporters of a name change for the U.S. city are elected to council, they could put the issue on a referendum ballot.

The city has put the question to a referendum three times since 1960, with the forces in favour of change getting more support each time.

Opponents of the plan — including the current mayor — argue that there are no other Vancouvers in the United States, and this should be the deciding factor.

With files from The Associated Press

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