The idea of aligning parts of the Peace Region with Alberta time is now on the table for discussion at the regional level.
The topic came forward after Pouce Coupe Mayor Danielle Veach asked the Peace River Regional District to consider whether there is interest in shifting closer to Alberta’s time zone, pointing to cross-border work ties and shared employment.
The discussion was raised at the PRRD board meeting on June 25.
“I really just wanted to kind of bring it forward for discussion, see if that was something that this table would be interested in doing moving forward,” she said.
Veach noted the region’s close economic ties to Alberta, especially in the oil and gas sector, where many residents cross the border for work each day.
“I do get it’s not great when we all admit many of our oil and gas people work across border and then bring it in, but that’s literally the reality,” she added.
“There is more oil and gas happening in Alberta than there is in British Columbia.”
She also pointed out that many industry decisions are increasingly being made out of Alberta.
“I do get it’s not great when we all admit many of our oil and gas people work across border and then bring it in, but that’s literally the reality,” she said. “There is more oil and gas happening in Alberta than there is in British Columbia.”
The conversation comes as B.C. prepares to end seasonal time changes, while Alberta has moved toward permanent daylight time, raising questions about cross-border alignment. Northeast B.C. currently remains on Mountain Standard Time.
Fort St. John Councillor. Trevor Bolin said he supports the idea of looking at the option.
“I like the idea. I think it’s very relevant to a vote that happened here in the 1960s, in order to be the same time as Alberta,” he said.
“Our tie in is not to southern British Columbia, our tie is to our partners and our neighbours in Alberta.”
However, not all members were ready to make a change without broader consultation.
Dan Rose, director for Electoral Area E, said he supports alignment but wants public input first.
“People don’t like change, so we need to know they’ve been heard or we’ve heard before we do that,” he noted.
Hudson’s Hope Mayor Travous Quibell also raised concerns about how a shift could affect communication with regulators and government offices.
“Who’s gonna notify Victoria that they need to broaden their working hours so they are able actually to meet our needs?” he asked.
“It’s hard enough to get in touch with our regulators in Vancouver and Alberta when we need to get business done from up here, when they close at four o’clock.”
Shawn Dahlen, PRRD’s chief administrative officer, said options are being considered, including a public survey that could cost between $3,000 and $4,000, with further discussion expected at a future committee meeting.
A report on potential alignment with Alberta time will come back to the board at a later date.
