Residents of British Columbia’s East Kootenay region are a step closer to ending the twice-yearly clock changes after local governments voted to remain on Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) throughout the year. The proposal is aimed at eliminating the need to “spring forward” in March and “fall back” in November.
Local officials say the move reflects the region’s close economic and social ties with neighbouring Alberta. Many residents commute across provincial borders for work, education, healthcare, and business, making a consistent time zone an important consideration. Keeping the same time year-round is also expected to reduce confusion for businesses, transportation services, and emergency response agencies.
Supporters of the proposal argue that ending seasonal clock changes would improve sleep quality, reduce disruptions to daily routines, and enhance workplace productivity. Medical experts have long warned that the biannual time change can temporarily affect sleep, concentration, mental health, and even increase the risk of heart attacks and traffic collisions in the days following the clock adjustment.
The proposal will now be forwarded to the British Columbia provincial government, which has the authority to make changes to the region’s time observance. Provincial approval is required before the change can officially take effect.
British Columbia has previously expressed support for ending seasonal time changes, but implementation has been delayed while awaiting similar action by neighbouring jurisdictions, particularly the U.S. states on the West Coast. East Kootenay’s unique geographic location and strong links with Alberta, however, have prompted local leaders to pursue a different approach.
If approved, East Kootenay would become one of the few regions in Canada to observe the same time throughout the year, joining a growing number of jurisdictions across North America that are reconsidering the long-standing practice of changing clocks twice annually.