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 adopt mountain daylight time permanently. This decision aligns the region with Alberta’s time system rather than following the majority of British Columbia. The vote follows a period of discussion on the appropriate time zone for East Kootenay 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Initially, the RDEK board had decided to transition to year-round mountain standard time in March but later rescinded the decision due to public resistance and requests for further input. A regional survey received over 14,000 responses, with 89% supporting the elimination of biannual clock changes and 66% preferring permanent mountain daylight time. RDEK board chair Rob Gay noted that while the survey was influential, it was not the sole factor in the board’s decision-making process.
The strong ties between East Kootenay residents and businesses in Alberta, particularly in Elk Valley and Crowsnest Pass, were significant considerations. Other factors such as health, business operations, public safety, and school schedules were also taken into account before making the final decision. The desire for more daylight in the evenings, allowing for outdoor activities after work and school, was a common sentiment expressed in the survey.
Despite differing opinions within the region, the consensus was clear: residents were weary of changing their clocks and welcomed the move to a consistent time system. The practical change for RDEK residents will be straightforward – they will not adjust their clocks in November as usual. The decision will be communicated to neighboring local governments in Golden and Columbia Shuswap Regional District Electoral Area A, who will make their own time observance choices. While not everyone may agree with the decision, changing clocks will no longer be part of the fall routine for East Kootenay residents.
