Survey finds most unsure why B.C. ‘springs forward’

The majority of British Columbians do not know why daylight time exists, according to a recent survey commissioned by BC Hydro. Daylight time was implemented in Canada more than 100 years ago as a way to conserve energy; however, about 60 per cent of British Columbians incorrectly believe its purpose is to provide more sunlight during waking hours, the survey showed.

Others believe it exists to provide more working hours, while some just think it costs them an hour of sleep, with 35 per cent saying the time shift has a negative effect on them.

Fifty-six per cent British Columbians would prefer if B.C. remained on one time year-round, the survey found.

Several studies have found daylight time electricity savings are negligible or non-existent. In fact, a recent study in Alberta found that it actually has the opposite effect, increasing energy use.

This fall, BC Hydro is planning to release a new report after further research and analysis on daylight time, which will examine whether or not this practice saves electricity in B.C.

Premier John Horgan has written to the governors of Washington state, Oregon and California, raising the possibility of the four west coast jurisdictions sticking to one time year-round.

Boundary-Similkameen Liberal MLA Linda Larson has introduced a private member’s bill to get rid of the twice-yearly time change if our neighbours to the south do the same.

Daylight time begins early Sunday morning. Move your clocks ahead one hour.

STEVE MacNAULL/The Okanagan Weekend Reminding you to “spring forward” and set your clocks an hour ahead before going to bed tonight is Delores Davis, owner of the home accents store Modern Accents in Kelowna.The switch means you’ll get a hour less sleep unless you have a lie-in past your normal rising time.The actual change to Pacific daylight time from Pacific standard time is at 2 a.m. Sunday. The change means sunrise and sunset will be an hour later tomorrow at 7:22 a.m. and 6:55 p.m., respectively.