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- calendar_today October 13, 2026
Ontario Moves Toward Permanent Daylight Saving Time in Select Areas
The Ontario government has announced plans to make daylight saving time permanent in Kenora and several northwestern regions. This change is intended to maintain alignment between northwestern Ontario and the neighbouring province of Manitoba, following Manitoba’s decision to adopt permanent daylight saving time starting November 1, 2026.
Proposed Change Aims for Regional Consistency
The proposed regulatory change is scheduled to take effect by November 1, 2026. The government says this move is designed to avoid disruptions for businesses, families, and Indigenous communities in Ontario’s central time zone, which has historically operated in step with Manitoba.
Aligning with Manitoba for Economic and Social Coordination
Doug Downey, Ontario’s Attorney General, emphasized the importance of providing certainty and predictability by keeping northwestern Ontario aligned with Manitoba. He noted that this adjustment will help businesses operate more efficiently across provincial boundaries and make it easier for residents to coordinate essential activities such as health-care appointments and travel.
“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,” Downey stated.
Consultation and Support from Local and Indigenous Communities
This decision follows consultations with local communities and Indigenous leaders in northwestern Ontario. The engagement process began after Manitoba’s 2026 declaration. According to Ontario's government, there is substantial support across the region for maintaining time alignment with Manitoba. Minister Greg Rickford, who is responsible for Indigenous Affairs and First Nations Economic Reconciliation, noted the collective efforts of communities and First Nations to reach a consensus supporting the change.
Rickford highlighted the region’s unified support: “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.”
Details of the Proposed Implementation
Under the proposed regulation, affected communities in northwestern Ontario that currently change their clocks seasonally would no longer need to turn their clocks back after November 1, 2026. Communities west of the 90th meridian—which marks the boundary for the central time zone in Ontario—would maintain the same time as Manitoba during the winter months. The regulation would be introduced under Ontario’s Time Act.
Ontario communities located in the eastern time zone are not affected by this change and will continue the biannual clock adjustments.
Background and Additional Facts
- Daylight saving time runs from March to November, advancing clocks one hour ahead of standard time.
- The central time zone in Ontario begins west of the 90th meridian, covering parts of northwestern Ontario.
- Manitoba announced its own move to permanent daylight saving time on September 17, 2026, set to begin on November 1, 2026.
- Ontario’s Time Amendment Act, 2020 would make daylight saving time permanent province-wide when activated. Provincial coordination with neighbouring jurisdictions remains important for trade, the stock market, and broadcasting.
Next Steps
The Ontario government states that it will continue working with local leaders and communities as the proposal moves forward, striving to ensure a smooth transition to permanent daylight saving time for northwestern Ontario.
Source: news.ontario.ca.
