clock change

There will be no need to change clocks back one hour next month.

The provincial government says it will honour the wishes of communities in the Central Time Zone to stay on the same time as Manitoba when it reverts to year-round Daylight Saving Time.

Beginning November 1st, communities west of the 90th meridian will keep their clocks as they are and remain on Daylight Saving Time.

Had communities been required to change their clocks as they have done for decades, it would have created a unique situation with them being an hour behind Manitoba and Thunder Bay and Thunder Bay this winter.

“By keeping this part of the province aligned with Manitoba, our government is taking a practical, common-sense approach to avoid unnecessary disruptions and ensure economic stability in communities that reside in Ontario’s Central Time Zone,” states Attorney General Doug Downey.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford spearheaded recent meetings with municipal and First Nation leaders, and others, after Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew announced his province’s decision.

He says it resulted in unanimous support within his riding to move to permanent Daylight Saving Time.

“Through the collective efforts of communities and First Nations across the northwest, we’ve led a process to build consensus the right way, with detailed and nuanced considerations,” states Rickford.

“What has emerged is unanimous support across the region to move to permanent Daylight Saving Time, and our government is proud to support the people of northwestern Ontario as we make this decision, together.”

By aligning with Manitoba, communities will also remain on the same time as the rest of Ontario.

Those communities that are in the Eastern Time Zone, such as Thunder Bay, will still change their clocks on November 1st, falling back one hour.

The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association says is welcoming the province’s announcement.

“This is a great example of the province working with Northern municipalities to find a common-sense solution that reflects the unique needs of our region,” states NOMA President, Rick Dumas, in a release.

The province intends to implement the regulatory change under Ontario’s Time Act on November 1st.