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Area municipalities asked to take next step to staying on same time as Manitoba

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Northwestern Ontario communities in the Central Time Zone are being asked for resolutions to remain on Daylight Saving Time year-round.

They remain unanimous about the idea after soliciting public feedback.

Municipal and First Nations leaders, along with others from across the region, gathered virtually with Kenora-River MPP Greg Rickford on Tuesday to discuss the findings and plot next steps.

The talk around Daylight Saving Time year-round stems from Manitoba’s decision to end the practice of changing the clocks every Fall and Spring this November.

It could leave northwestern Ontario communities an hour behind both Manitoba and Thunder Bay.

Fort Frances Mayor Andrew Hallikas says the issue has galvanized the entire region.

“We did a survey here, and we had an unbelievable response,” says Hallikas.

“We do surveys all the time, and we never get responses like that. Like last time I checked over a week ago, at that time we had over 3,600 responses. We’re up around 4,000 responses, and it’s not just Fort Frances responding. Dryden, Kenora, Rainy River District municipalities, people everywhere. Ninety-two percent of those responding said they thought that we should stay with Manitoba.”

Hallikas says municipalities are now being asked to bring forward resolutions that support staying with Daylight Saving Time.

Rickford wants them to present to the Attorney General, who oversees Ontario’s Time Act.

“The word that Minister Rickford gave us was that he consulted ahead of time at the Premier’s office and the Attorney General,” says Hallikas.

“And they said if there was consensus and a clear direction that they would support what we do.”

Some communities such as Fort Frances have already passed resolutions.

Hallikas makes no promises, but it is possible a change to the time followed could happen this fall, depending on the response from other communities and the province.

MPP Greg Rickford June 2026

Manitoba time change raises questions in northwestern Ontario

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Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford is calling a meeting of municipal and First Nations leaders following Manitoba’s decision to adopt permanent daylight saving time.

RELATED: Manitoba switches to permanent daylight saving time

In a statement, Rickford said residents have questions about how the change could affect businesses, services and cross-border operations in northwestern Ontario.

“As we have learned today, Manitoba will move to permanent daylight saving time beginning November 1st,” Rickford said.

Rickford said he has reached out to mayors and First Nations leadership throughout the riding and plans to convene a meeting Friday to discuss the potential impacts.

“We need to hear directly from our local leaders to understand how this change will impact services across our community,” he said.

Rickford said the meeting will help gather feedback from communities across the region and identify any challenges or opportunities created by the change.

He said he wants to ensure local voices are considered as Manitoba moves ahead with the transition.

“I look forward to listening, identifying opportunities and working together to ensure the voices of Northwestern Ontario are heard and supported through this transition,” Rickford said.

Manitoba announced Thursday that it will adopt permanent daylight saving time beginning Nov. 1, ending the twice-yearly clock changes.

The decision follows a public survey in May in which 92 per cent of roughly 72,000 votes supported ending seasonal time changes, according to the Manitoba government.

Black alarm clock with cell phone on a wooden table

Manitoba switches to permanent daylight saving time

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Another province is saying goodbye to the time change.

Manitoba is moving to permanent daylight saving time.

In a news release, Thursday, Premier Wab Kinew says they listened to what residents had to say about season time changes.

“We heard from Manitobians loud and clear – no more changing the clocks in Manitoba,” says Kinew.

It follows a survey in May, where 92 per cent of 72,000 votes wanted to see an end to the time change.

Kinew says it is not only good for health but businesses, families – especially those with young kids – being just one less adjustment each spring and fall.

“That’s why this November; your clocks won’t be changing.”

Manitoba follows several other provinces and territories who made the move including Yukon, Northwest Territories, Alberta and Saskatchewan and British Columbia.