The times aren’t a-changin’ in Western Canada but there’s still adjustments ahead

The clocks won't change Sunday in the western portion of Canada, but that doesn't mean adjustments won't be made. British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, northwestern Ontario, and the Northwest Territories have all opted to stay on daylight time this year.

Children facing school in the dark, construction workers headed to work sites, and thrill-seekers at ski slopes will all need to adapt to darker mornings. In Winnipeg, the sun won't rise until almost 9:30 a.m., while in Edmonton it will be around 9:50 a.m. In Prince Rupert, British Columbia, sunrise will be after 10 a.m. The days will have more light in the evenings, but there are safety and health concerns, along with practical challenges.

For example, Canada Border Services Agency has changed its hours at 26 land crossings to match U.S. states, where the clocks will still fall back an hour on Saturday night. This will provide more clarity for travelers and prevent anyone from getting lost at the border. At the International Peace Garden, which straddles the Manitoba-North Dakota border, the garden will follow separate hours for the first time ever.

To adjust, half of the Canadian staff will come in an hour earlier than their American counterparts. The carillon clock at the garden may not ring at the correct time, causing confusion for some visitors. However, things will be simpler at the Lloydminster border, where residents of both Alberta and Saskatchewan will no longer need to manage different times this winter. Alberta's permanent mountain daylight time will align with Saskatchewan's permanent central standard time.

Ski hill operators farther west in the Rocky Mountains will delay their opening time by half an hour to 9:30 a.m. to ensure enough light for safety checks. The slopes will also stay open later until 4:30 p.m., but this may not be a clear benefit, as visitors typically prefer to head out before 4 p.m. for dinner and other plans. Employees will also have to adjust to later closing times.

Schools are also making changes to accommodate the darker mornings. The St. James-Assiniboia School Division in Winnipeg is adjusting its light timers and reviewing lighting conditions at bus stops and community crossing guards. They are advising parents to dress their children in bright clothing and urging drivers to be more cautious. The division is also providing tips to help students cope with getting up before sunrise. Construction workers who typically start at 7 a.m. will face the challenges of increased darkness.