A new public survey has been launched to gather input on time observance in the southeast corner of BC.

The survey is open through August 3 and is being done in partnership between the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK), Town of Golden, and Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) Electoral Area A.

“A dedicated project page has been set up that has the online survey along with other information. While it is being hosted by the RDEK, the survey covers the entire southeast corner of B.C. that is still on Mountain Time and is being done in partnership with all the local governments in the East Kootenay, Golden and CSRD Area A,” said RDEK Communications Manager Loree Duczek.

The survey will remain open until 11:59 p.m. on August 3.

It is a non-binding survey, which means the results will help inform future decisions, but they will not determine any outcome on their own. Any future decision would also need to consider other factors, including legislative and implementation considerations.

This survey follows recent announcements by the governments of British Columbia and Alberta regarding changes to time observance, which will see both provinces move to permanent year-round time observance with B.C. being permanently one hour behind Alberta.  That leaves the southeast corner of B.C. as a small area still changing clocks twice a year unless a decision is made locally to change the practice.

Survey participants are being asked to consider three options:

• Remain on Mountain Standard Time year-round, which would align with the rest of British Columbia, place the region one hour behind Alberta, and provide more daylight in the morning and less in the evening;
• Remain on Mountain Daylight Saving Time year-round, which would place the region one hour ahead of the rest of British Columbia, align with Alberta, and provide more daylight in the evening and less in the morning; or
• Continue the current practice of changing clocks twice each year.

Local governments are encouraging as many residents as possible to take part in the survey.

People who do not have access to email or a computer can contact Duczek at the RDEK to complete the survey by phone. Paper copies of the survey will also be available upon request.

Following the close of the survey, participating local governments will review the results and determine next steps.

For more information or to request assistance completing the survey, please contact [email protected] or call 1-888-478-7335.

Access the survey here.

e-KNOW file photo

RDEK

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