East Kootenay residents in British Columbia can now mark one less task on their fall checklist: adjusting their clocks. The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) board has officially decided to end the practice of changing clocks twice a year by voting 12-3 in favor of adopting mountain daylight time permanently, aligning the region’s time with that of Alberta rather than the majority of British Columbia.
The debate over which time standard to follow in East Kootenay was settled with this decision after the province of British Columbia announced the cessation of seasonal time changes, leaving mountain time communities to determine their time observance independently.
Initially, in March, the RDEK board had voted to transition the affected areas to year-round mountain standard time, aligning them with most of British Columbia. However, this decision was later revoked following public opposition and demands for further consultation.
A non-binding regional survey was launched, receiving over 14,000 responses, with 89% of participants expressing a desire to cease seasonal clock changes and remain on a consistent time throughout the year, while 66% favored permanent mountain daylight time. RDEK board chair Rob Gay emphasized that while the survey played a significant role in the decision-making process, it was not the sole determining factor.
The survey results indicated a preference for more daylight later in the day, a factor that was considered alongside residents’ strong ties to Alberta, particularly in areas like the Elk Valley and Crowsnest Pass. Health, business schedules, public safety, and school schedules were also taken into account before the final decision was made.
According to Gay, residents in the East Kootenay region value the extended evening light for recreational activities such as sports, fishing, and hiking after work and school hours. The unanimous sentiment across the region was a weariness of changing clocks, prompting the resolution to discontinue the practice.
While some residents, like Cranbrook resident Frederick Riedel, acknowledge the dual connections to both British Columbia and Alberta, they anticipate adapting to the new time observance. The practical change for East Kootenay residents will be straightforward: when clocks would typically fall back in November, they will remain unchanged.
The RDEK plans to inform neighboring local governments in Golden and Columbia Shuswap Regional District Electoral Area A about its decision, as they still need to determine their time observance. Although not everyone may agree with the resolution, East Kootenay residents can look forward to a fall season without the task of adjusting their clocks.