Residents in East Kootenay will no longer have to worry about changing their clocks, as the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) board has decided to make mountain daylight time permanent. The board voted 12-3 in favor of this change, aligning the region with Alberta’s time system instead of following the majority of British Columbia.

The decision comes after months of debate within the community regarding which time zone to adopt. Initially, the RDEK board had voted to switch affected areas to year-round mountain standard time, but this decision was later reversed due to public backlash and calls for more consultation.

A regional survey conducted by the region received over 14,000 responses, with 89% of participants expressing a desire to stop changing clocks twice a year and 66% preferring permanent mountain daylight time. Board chair Rob Gay emphasized that the survey played a significant role in influencing the final decision.

Many residents and businesses in East Kootenay have strong connections to Alberta, particularly in areas like the Elk Valley and Crowsnest Pass. Factors such as health, business schedules, public safety, and school crossings were considered before making the decision to adopt permanent mountain daylight time.

Residents expressed a preference for more daylight later in the day to engage in outdoor activities after work and school. Despite differing opinions within the community, the consensus was clear – residents are tired of changing their clocks and are ready for this practice to come to an end.

Moving forward, residents in the RDEK will not adjust their clocks when daylight saving time would typically end in November. The decision will be shared with neighboring local governments, such as Golden and Columbia Shuswap Regional District Electoral Area A, for their own time observance choices.

While some residents may be disappointed with the decision, the move to permanent mountain daylight time reflects the wishes of the majority of respondents in the region. As November approaches, East Kootenay residents can enjoy a consistent time zone without the need to change their clocks.