Parts of Ontario to make daylight savings time permanent

The Ontario government intends to make daylight saving time (DST) permanent in Kenora and the parts of northwestern Ontario that have historically kept the same time as neighbouring Manitoba, the province announced today.

The proposed regulatory change, to be made under Ontario's Time Act, would be in place by Nov. 1, 2026, according to the Ministry of the Attorney General. Affected communities that now change their clocks seasonally would not turn them back that day.

The government said the move is meant to avoid disruption for businesses, families and Indigenous communities in Ontario's central time zone, which begins west of the 90th meridian. Staying aligned with Manitoba would make it easier for companies to operate across the provincial boundary and for residents and service providers to coordinate health-care appointments and travel, according to the release.

Ontario joins Manitoba, B.C., Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Alberta and Saskatchewan as provinces and territories moving toward or already on a permanent time standard.

'Practical, common-sense approach'

"Providing certainty and predictability is essential to supporting strong communities and a competitive economy," said attorney general Doug Downey. "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."

The province said the decision follows extensive engagement with communities across the northwest, including Indigenous leaders, that began after Manitoba announced its plans. That engagement showed substantial support for keeping pace with Manitoba, the government said, adding that it will continue working with local leaders as the change moves forward.

Greg Rickford, Ontario's Minister of Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation, said the consultation produced agreement across the region.

"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," he said.

One time zone in winter, two in summer

Once the change takes effect, communities west of the 90th meridian would share the same time as the rest of Ontario during the winter months, the province said. Ontario communities in the eastern time zone would continue to change their clocks twice a year.

Ontario passed the Time Amendment Act, 2020, which would make daylight saving time the province's year-round standard once brought into force. The government noted that coordination with neighbouring jurisdictions such as Quebec and New York remains important for trade, the stock market and broadcasting.

Manitoba announced on Sept. 17 that it would adopt permanent daylight saving time beginning Nov. 1, 2026.