East Kootenay residents have a new addition to their autumn agenda: the elimination of clock changes. The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) board, in a 12-3 vote on Friday, opted to abolish biannual clock adjustments and make mountain daylight time permanent, aligning the region with Alberta rather than most of British Columbia’s time. This resolution concludes a prolonged deliberation on which time zone East Kootenay should adhere to following the provincial announcement that most of B.C. would cease seasonal clock changes, leaving mountain time communities to determine their time preference.
Initially, the RDEK board had decided in March to transition affected areas to year-round mountain standard time, synchronizing them with the majority of B.C. However, this decision was retracted after encountering public resistance and demands for increased engagement. Subsequently, a non-binding regional survey was conducted, garnering over 14,000 responses. The survey revealed that 89% of participants favored ceasing biannual clock changes and adopting a consistent time throughout the year, with 66% preferring permanent mountain daylight time.
RDEK board chair Rob Gay emphasized that while the survey was influential, other factors were also taken into account in reaching the decision. Gay highlighted the strong ties many East Kootenay residents and businesses have with Alberta, particularly in areas like the Elk Valley and Crowsnest Pass. Health considerations, business operations, public safety, and school schedules were among the factors considered before the final resolution was made.
The survey also indicated residents’ desire for more daylight in the evening, a sentiment that resonated with many outdoor enthusiasts in the region who value post-work and post-school hours for recreational activities such as sports, fishing, and hiking. The overarching sentiment across East Kootenay was a weariness of clock changes, prompting the resolution to cease such adjustments.
Looking ahead, the practical implication for RDEK residents is straightforward: when clocks traditionally shift back in November, they will remain unchanged. The RDEK intends to communicate its decision to neighboring local governments in Golden and Columbia Shuswap Regional District Electoral Area A, which are yet to determine their time observance preferences. While acknowledging that the resolution may not fully satisfy all residents, Gay emphasized the board’s earnest consideration of the matter.
As the fall season approaches, East Kootenay residents can expect to engage in typical autumn activities like raking leaves, switching out tires, and preparing winter clothing, but the chore of changing clocks will no longer be part of their seasonal routine.