Letter to the Editor

Victoria’s decision on March 2, to switch most of B.C., the Pacific Time Zone, (PTZ) to a permanent Pacific Daylight Savings Time Zone, (PDST) has left those of us living in the East Kootenay, the Mountain Time Zone (MTZ), in a bit of a quandary.

We are in the MTZ, because of our geographical location, Cranbrook is actually only, two2 degrees west of Edmonton. Alberta has yet to make a decision on a permanent, Mountain Daylight Savings Time, (MDST) and as of now, is going to continue to switch from Standard Time to Daylight Savings Time and back every year, the status quo. It was stated that those of us in the East Kootenay, living in the Mountain Time Zone would be given that same option. The ultimate decision to be made by our local governments.

I believe those of us living in the East Kootenay have benefitted greatly from living on the west side of the MDST zone. The longer evenings we enjoy because of our geographical location gives us a quality of life that others in the Province of B.C. do not have. By being on MDST, we get an hour of extra daylight, (sunshine) to recreate and enjoy our lives. How many; boating, hiking, fishing, bike riding trips, golf, soccer, ball games, are only halted because of darkness?

In 2026, Daylight Savings Time will last for 238 days, that is 238 hours of healthy, incredible daylight, Evening Hours! Quality of Life for those of us living in the MDST, zone, and in the East Kootenay, that is often sunshine to enjoy!

To the local politicians who will ultimately make the decisions that so drastically effect our lives. I implore you to consider the quality of life given to people in the East Kootenay by living in MDST zone.

We are extremely fortunate to live where we do and have the recreational and lifestyle opportunities that we have! Mountain Daylight Savings Time is a huge contributor to that lifestyle

Status quo for now!

Charles Wales,

Cranbrook

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