Golden town council has voted to end seasonal clock changes and remain on Mountain Standard Time year-round, aligning the community with most of British Columbia.
Residents will turn their clocks back one hour on Nov. 1 for the final seasonal time change. Golden will then remain on Mountain Standard Time, or UTC-7, throughout the year.
The decision differs from one made by the Regional District of East Kootenay in August. The RDEK voted 12-3 to remain on Mountain Daylight Time year-round, keeping the East Kootenay aligned with Alberta. Golden and Columbia Shuswap Regional District Electoral Area A must make their time observance decisions independently.
Mountain Standard Time in Golden will have the same UTC-7 offset as the new year-round Pacific time being adopted by most of B.C.
Golden Mayor Ron Oszust said council considered public feedback, health and safety, daylight hours, regional co-ordination and the effects on residents and businesses.
“This was not a straightforward decision. Opinions were closely divided between permanent daylight and standard time. Council believes that aligning with the majority of B.C. on the new Pacific Time will provide greater health and safety benefits with additional daylight in the morning hours and provide the greatest simplicity and consistency for residents, businesses, and visitors throughout the province.” said Oszust.
“We know there is no perfect solution for everyone, but this decision reflects careful consideration of community feedback and the long-term interests of Golden.”
The Town of Golden partnered with the RDEK and CSRD Electoral Area A on a regional survey. A total of 1,336 responses came from Golden and Area A, with 55 per cent favouring permanent Mountain Daylight Time and 45 per cent preferring Mountain Standard Time.
“Throughout this process, our priority has been ensuring that residents of Golden and Area A have a voice in a decision that affects daily life across our region,” said Director Karen Cathcart, CSRD Area A.
Despite the slight preference for permanent Mountain Daylight Time among survey respondents, council also considered the benefits of aligning with most of B.C.
“While there were differing perspectives on the preferred approach, my conversations with community members and the survey demonstrated strong community engagement and thoughtful consideration of the impacts. As Area A Director, I support aligning with the Town of Golden’s decision and look forward to continuing to work together to ensure consistency and clarity for residents, businesses, and visitors throughout our shared community.” said Cathcart.
Permanent Mountain Standard Time will mean earlier sunrises and sunsets compared with permanent Mountain Daylight Time.
The town said it will work with businesses, regional governments, service providers and public agencies to help with the transition.
For more information and to read the full staff report, visit golden.ca/timechange.
