East Kootenay locals can mark one task off their autumn checklist: adjusting the clocks. The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) board, in a 12-3 vote on Friday, opted to abandon biannual clock changes and establish mountain daylight time as the permanent schedule. This choice aligns the region with Alberta’s time system instead of moving in sync with most of British Columbia.
The decision follows months of discussions on which time zone East Kootenay should adopt after the province announced the cessation of seasonal time changes for most of B.C., leaving mountain time communities to make their own decisions.
Initially, in March, the RDEK board had decided to transition affected areas to year-round mountain standard time, aligning them with the majority of B.C. However, this decision was rescinded later due to public resistance and demands for further consultations.
A regional survey was launched by the region, gathering over 14,000 responses. Of the participants, 89% favored discontinuing biannual clock changes and staying on a consistent time year-round, with 66% preferring permanent mountain daylight time. Board chair Rob Gay emphasized that while the survey was not the sole factor influencing the directors’ decision, it did carry significant weight.
Many East Kootenay residents and businesses have strong connections to Alberta, particularly in regions like the Elk Valley and Crowsnest Pass. Health concerns, business schedules, public safety, and school crossings were also taken into account by the board before finalizing their decision.
Residents expressed a desire for more daylight later in the day in the survey, citing their outdoor recreational activities as a driving factor. Despite varied opinions within the region, the consensus was clear – the community is ready to bid farewell to clock adjustments.
In the lead-up to November, East Kootenay residents will maintain their current time settings instead of falling back when standard time adjustments typically occur. The RDEK plans to communicate its decision with neighboring local governments in Golden and Columbia Shuswap Regional District Electoral Area A, who are yet to determine their time observance.
While the ruling may not resonate with everyone, Gay acknowledged the seriousness with which residents and the board approached the matter. As the autumn season approaches, East Kootenay locals can anticipate tasks like leaf raking and winter preparation, with clock changes no longer a part of their seasonal routine.