East Kootenay residents have made a decision to make a significant change to their routine by opting to keep mountain daylight time throughout the year. The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) board voted 12-3 on Friday to eliminate the biannual clock changes and adopt permanent mountain daylight time, aligning the region with Alberta instead of the majority of British Columbia.
This conclusion comes after a prolonged debate within the community regarding which time standard to follow following the province’s announcement that most of British Columbia would abandon seasonal time adjustments, leaving mountain time communities to determine their own time observance.
Initially, in March, the RDEK board had voted to transition affected areas to year-round mountain standard time, which would have synchronized the region’s clock with most of British Columbia. However, this decision was later revoked due to public resistance and requests for additional consultations.
To gauge public opinion, the region conducted a non-binding regional survey, receiving over 14,000 responses. A significant 89% of respondents expressed a desire to cease the biannual clock changes and remain on a consistent time schedule throughout the year, with 66% indicating a preference for permanent mountain daylight time.
RDEK board chair Rob Gay emphasized that while the survey results were influential, they were not the sole consideration in the board’s decision-making process. Factors like residents’ ties to Alberta, health implications, business operations, public safety, and school schedules were also taken into account.
Gay highlighted that many East Kootenay residents, particularly those in areas like the Elk Valley and Crowsnest Pass, have strong connections to Alberta. Additionally, the survey revealed a collective desire for more daylight during later hours of the day, allowing residents to engage in outdoor activities post work and school.
In anticipation of the upcoming change, when November arrives, East Kootenay residents will not need to adjust their clocks like in the past. The RDEK plans to communicate its decision to neighboring local governments in Golden and Columbia Shuswap Regional District Electoral Area A, allowing them to determine their own time observance.
Despite potential disagreements among residents and board members, the decision to maintain mountain daylight time year-round reflects a desire to simplify the region’s timekeeping practices and enhance community well-being.