Lafarge invites suggestions for naming Exshaw dome, west of Calgary

Anyone who's evertravelledwest on the Trans-Canada Highway from Calgary to Banffwill have noticed the Lafarge cement plant on the doorstep of the national park.

However, in the past year you may have also noticed the construction of a new structure on the sitea dome that spans 100 metres in diameter and stands roughly 35 metres tall.

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The dome has piqued the curiosity of Bow Valley residents and tourists alike, so the company decided to put out the call for names for the conspicuous new addition.

"We thought we'd have some fun with it," saidJim Bachmann, the Exshawplant manager.

"There's been quite the buzz in the valley about 'What is that dome?' and 'What's in the dome?'"

What isin the dome?

The dome's purpose is to store the plant's raw materials and to keep the materials from becoming airborne, Bachmann explained onThe Calgary Eyeopener. It replaces a number of temporary structures that used to housethe materials.

"We're meeting the challenges of improving our environmental footprint," Bachmann said.

The contest is open to residents of the Bow Valley and anyone in Municipal District Bighorn.

Ideas should be sent to Michelle Gurney at michelle.gurney@lafargeholcim.com before Feb. 24.

Contestants are asked to include their name and phone number along with their name suggestion.

The winner of the competition secures bragging rights, along with a VIP tour of the plant, and $1,000 donated to a charity of their choice.