Residents in East Kootenay can now tick off one task from their autumn checklist: adjusting the clocks. The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) board has voted 12-3 to ditch the biannual clock changes and stick to mountain daylight time year-round, aligning with Alberta rather than the majority of British Columbia.
This decision follows months of discussions regarding which time zone East Kootenay should adhere to after the province announced the end of seasonal time changes for most of B.C., leaving mountain time communities to make their own choices.
Initially, the RDEK board had decided to transition affected areas to year-round mountain standard time in March, aligning with most of B.C. However, this decision was reversed following public backlash and demands for further consultations.
A regional survey was launched, receiving over 14,000 responses, with 89% of participants expressing a desire to cease the clock changes and opt for a consistent time throughout the year, with 66% favoring permanent mountain daylight time. Board chair Rob Gay emphasized that while the survey was influential, it was not the sole factor considered.
Many East Kootenay residents and businesses have strong ties to Alberta, particularly in areas like the Elk Valley and Crowsnest Pass. Factors such as health, business operations, public safety, and school schedules were taken into account before the final decision was made. The survey also highlighted a preference for more daylight later in the day among residents.
Residents in East Kootenay enjoy outdoor activities and value the evening light for post-work and post-school recreation. Despite differing opinions, most residents agree on one point: they are weary of changing their clocks, a practice that will now come to an end.
The practical change for RDEK residents is simple: instead of adjusting the clocks back in November, they will remain unchanged. The decision will be communicated to neighboring local governments, such as Golden and Columbia Shuswap Regional District Electoral Area A, which are yet to determine their time observance.
While the decision may not please everyone, come November, East Kootenay residents can expect to engage in traditional fall activities without the chore of changing the clocks.