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Lloydminster is no longer a “time island.”
Saskatchewan’s new Time Act took effect Friday, a move that brings Lloydminster – which straddles the Alberta border – and the surrounding area into line with the rest of the province year-round.
Read more:
- ‘No time travel required’: Sask. replacing Time Act after Alta. adopts daylight time year-round
- The Quebec government says it plans to end the time change
- Ontario to move northwest regions to permanent daylight time
The act establishes Central Standard Time as the only time zone in Saskatchewan, meaning Lloydminster residents will no longer need to turn their clocks back to Mountain Standard Time during the winter, as the previous Time Act required.
“Without this change, Lloydminster would become a ‘time island’ observing Mountain Standard Time in the winter while both its provinces set their clocks to Central Standard Time,” Eric Schmalz, Saskatchewan’s government relations minister, said in a statement.
“The legislation also gives Saskatchewan the flexibility to respond when neighbouring provinces or territories follow Saskatchewan’s lead and change their time rules, as we saw in both Alberta and Manitoba, respectively.”
The timing of the act — before the start of daylight saving time in many jurisdictions — means Lloydminster residents won’t need to adjust their clocks this fall, and the city will no longer be on a different time than either province over the winter.
“Living on the border of two provinces comes with its unique circumstances, but we are pleased that keeping track of the time won’t be one of them,” Mayor of Lloydminster Gerald Aalbers said in a statement.
“This change ensures Lloydminster and our surrounding communities stay on the same clock year-round, bringing welcome consistency for residents, businesses, and schools. We appreciate the Government of Saskatchewan’s recognition of our unique situation and its efforts to make everyday life a little easier across the region.”
The provincial government said the new legislation also eliminates rules that required local votes to change the time observed within the boundaries of a school division.
“It allows border areas to follow a different time through regulations if the area chooses to align its time with neighbouring provinces or territories,” the government noted.
