Parts of northwestern Ontario will no longer have to change their clocks twice a year.
On Tuesday, the province announced that certain areas in this region will switch to permanent daylight saving time starting Nov. 1.
This change allows local communities to synchronize with Manitoba, which revealed last month its plan to adopt permanent daylight saving time on Nov. 1.
Kenora-Rainy River MPP, Minister of Northern Development, and Minister of Indigenous Affairs Greg Rickford stated that the decision followed discussions with municipalities and First Nations in the area from the English River to the Manitoba Border.
“Practically speaking, most people in northwestern Ontario who are in the central standard time zone felt it made more sense to align with Manitoba since we often deal with them,” Rickford told on Tuesday morning.
“We heard from health organizations emphasizing that whatever decision is made should minimize time zone differences because electronic medical records and appointment scheduling between Manitoba and Thunder Bay could be affected,” he said. “Additionally, they requested we implement this change as soon as possible so they can start preparing.”
Rickford clarified that these changes will only impact regions on central time; areas observing eastern time like Thunder Bay won’t be affected.
“Providing clarity and stability is crucial for fostering strong communities and a thriving economy,” said Ontario Attorney General Doug Downey in a press release. “By keeping this section of the province aligned with Manitoba, our government is taking a sensible approach to prevent unnecessary disruptions and maintain economic stability in communities within Ontario’s central time zone.”
Kenora Mayor Andrew Poirier expressed his satisfaction with Ontario’s decision on Tuesday.
(Manitoba) really represents not just an economic connection but also a social one,” he noted. “Many Manitobans own property around Kenora.”
Recently, Kenora council passed a resolution urging the government to abolish daylight saving time for parts of their region. Poirier mentioned that a survey conducted among residents received nearly 5,300 responses; over 93 percent supported the proposed change.
Poirier mentioned that representatives from Kenora are now considering what steps need to be taken for a smooth transition.
“There may still be internal adjustments needed.. even though we won’t be changing times since many systems are designed to do so,” he explained. “We need to ensure those changes don’t happen automatically. We’ll develop a communication strategy to remind everyone.”
A map of time zones in Ontario. The area that’s in the central time zone will be switching to permanent daylight saving time on Nov. 1. (Government of Ontario/Provided)
Rick Dumas, president of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association, also backed this change.
“This news is great for northwestern Ontario and offers a practical fix for concerns raised by our member municipalities,” he stated in a press release. “Our communities share strong economic, social, and healthcare connections with Manitoba; maintaining consistent time zones helps eliminate confusion and interruptions.”
In an interview with CBC, Dumas emphasized how vital this adjustment would be for those members situated in central time.
They’re frequently interacting with Manitoba,” he pointed out. “So it’s important they stay aligned with them regarding healthcare matters and flight schedules.”
“When there’s always an hour difference it becomes confusing when switching back and forth,” Dumas remarked. “Having consistency within that zone will definitely help those members.” p >
Fort Frances Mayor Andrew Hallikas shared his approval regarding this shift as well.
“We’ve all reached out through surveys to our residents about their opinions on this matter,” he said.
“The feedback was overwhelmingly supportive for aligning permanently with Manitoba’s daylight saving practices.” p >
“Throughout my political career I’ve conducted numerous surveys where typically around 60 percent indicates strong support,” Hallikas added.
“However our survey showed that 92 percent believed we should join forces with Manitoba regarding permanent daylight savings.” p >
“We coordinated discussions among municipalities along with First Nations leaders from both Kenora District as well as Rainy River District,” Hallikas commented further.
“There was unanimous agreement across both districts favoring alignment towards Manitoba.” p >
“In all my years involved politically rarely have I witnessed such unity behind one idea – it’s refreshing honestly.” P>
Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa also voiced his thoughts today expressing relief over these developments. P>
“Nobody wanted us becoming isolated amidst Central Time stuck between both provinces ,” he articulated. ” Recently during talks after hearing announcements coming out from Manitoba , I’ve been reaching out… engaging other First Nations alongside various municipalities addressing similar concerns.”
” It’s clear this transcends party lines; we’ve recognized it presents opportunities collaborating together seeking solutions fulfilling community needs throughout Northwest Ontar io.”
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