KENORA, ONTARIO — Ontario intends to move Kenora and other northwestern communities historically aligned with Manitoba to permanent daylight time beginning November 1.

The province says the proposed regulatory change would apply to affected communities west of the 90th meridian that currently change their clocks seasonally. Those communities would not turn their clocks back this fall.

Change designed to preserve Manitoba alignment

Manitoba announced in September that it would remain on daylight time year-round beginning November 1. Without an Ontario change, nearby communities that have traditionally shared Manitoba’s time would become an hour apart during the winter.

Ontario says keeping the region aligned is intended to reduce complications for cross-border business, health-care appointments, travel and services involving municipalities and First Nations.

The province described the measure as a proposed regulation under the Time Act. It is limited to the affected northwestern region and does not end seasonal clock changes across the rest of Ontario.

Consultations found strong regional support

Indigenous Affairs Minister Greg Rickford told The Canadian Press that surveys of municipalities, businesses and First Nations showed support ranging from 90 to 94 per cent. The government’s release said engagement produced substantial support and that it would continue working with local leaders as the regulation moves forward.

Kenora council had also voted unanimously to stay aligned with Manitoba. Under the planned change, the affected communities would share the same winter clock time as the remainder of Ontario while remaining in the central time zone.

Sources

Lead image: Flag of Ontario via Wikimedia Commons, public domain. Illustrative image.