Residents of East Kootenay no longer need to remember to change their clocks as the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) board voted 12-3 to make mountain daylight time permanent, aligning the region with Alberta instead of most of British Columbia. This decision follows a period of debate regarding the region’s timekeeping after the provincial announcement to end seasonal time changes, leaving mountain time communities to decide for themselves.
Initially, the RDEK board had voted to transition affected areas to year-round mountain standard time, aligning them with most of British Columbia. However, this decision was later revoked due to public pushback and requests for more consultation. A non-binding regional survey was conducted, receiving over 14,000 responses, with 89% of respondents in favor of stopping biannual clock changes and 66% preferring permanent mountain daylight time.
The survey results significantly influenced the board’s decision-making process. RDEK board chair Rob Gay emphasized the ties that many East Kootenay residents and businesses have with Alberta, particularly in regions like the Elk Valley and Crowsnest Pass. Various factors such as health, business schedules, public safety, and school crossings were considered before arriving at the final decision.
Residents expressed a desire for more daylight in the evening, emphasizing the importance of outdoor activities like sports, fishing, and hiking after work and school. While acknowledging the mixed sentiments within the community due to connections with both British Columbia and Alberta, the consensus was clear – the region is weary of changing clocks and aims to put an end to this practice.
Moving forward, East Kootenay residents will maintain the same time when November arrives, bypassing the customary clock adjustment. The RDEK plans to communicate its decision to neighboring local governments in Golden and Columbia Shuswap Regional District Electoral Area A, which are yet to finalize their time observance. Despite potential disappointment among some residents, the board stands by its decision, acknowledging that not everyone may fully agree but emphasizing the seriousness with which the matter was addressed.
As the fall season approaches, East Kootenay residents can focus on activities like raking leaves, changing tires, and preparing winter gear, without the added task of changing their clocks.