Keeping time with BC.
Golden’s Town Council has decided to end semi-annual clock changes and will remain on Mountain Standard Time (UTC-7) year-round, effective following the November 1, 2026, time change.
This decision means that following the November 1 time change, residents will no longer need to adjust their clocks twice each year. By remaining on Mountain Standard Time (UTC-7) year-round, Golden will stay aligned with most of British Columbia, which will also observe UTC-7 year-round under a new permanent Pacific Time (UTC-7) designation.
Council considered a range of factors in making its decision, including public feedback, health and safety, regional coordination, impacts to residents and businesses, daylight hours throughout the year, and alignment with neighbouring jurisdictions.
“This was not a straightforward decision,” said Mayor Ron Oszust, Town of Golden. “Opinions were closely divided between permanent daylight and standard time. Council believes that aligning with the majority of B.C. on the new Pacific Time will provide greater health and safety benefits with additional daylight in the morning hours and provide the greatest simplicity and consistency for residents, businesses, and visitors throughout the province. We know there is no perfect solution for everyone, but this decision reflects careful consideration of community feedback and the long-term interests of Golden.”
From July 3 to August 3, 2026, the Town of Golden partnered with the RDEK on a public engagement process. A total of 1,336 responses were provided from the Golden area. Across the region, the majority of respondents (89 per cent) supported an end to annual time changes, and the survey results from Golden and the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) Area A showed a slight majority of respondents preferred permanent Mountain Daylight Time (55 per cent supporting permanent Daylight Time and 45 per cent supporting Standard Time). While survey respondents in Golden and Area A showed a slight preference for permanent Mountain Daylight Time, Council also considered the benefits of remaining aligned with the majority of British Columbia.
“Throughout this process, our priority has been ensuring that residents of Golden and Area A have a voice in a decision that affects daily life across our region,” said Director Karen Cathcart, CSRD Area A. “While there were differing perspectives on the preferred approach, my conversations with community members and the survey demonstrated strong community engagement and thoughtful consideration of the impacts. As Area A Director, I support aligning with the Town of Golden’s decision and look forward to continuing to work together to ensure consistency and clarity for residents, businesses, and visitors throughout our shared community.”
Under permanent Mountain Standard Time, residents will experience earlier sunrises and earlier sunsets throughout the year. Council recognized that residents value daylight differently depending on work schedules, school routines, recreation, tourism, and family needs, and that opinions in the community were closely divided.
The decision follows recent changes by the Province of British Columbia, which has moved most of the province to a permanent Mountain Standard Time (UTC-7), now called Pacific Time, while allowing communities in the Mountain Time Zone to determine their own time observance.
The Town will work with partner organizations, regional governments, businesses, service providers, and public agencies to ensure a smooth transition.
What residents need to know:
- The final seasonal clock change will occur on November 1, 2026.
- After that date, clocks will not change again.
- After November 1, Golden will remain on Mountain Standard Time (the new Pacific Time, UTC-7) year-round.
- Golden’s time will align with most communities in British Columbia year-round.
Click HERE to learn more about the staff report and background information.
