Ready to lose an hour of sleep, Victoria?
This weekend, daylight saving time (DST) comes into effect for all those who recognize it.
DST is the practice of moving clocks forward by one hour from standard time—pacific time in BC—during the summer months and changing them back during the fall.
The idea came about in order to utilize the natural daylight more effectively, granting more sunlight in the summer evenings and once the clocks are returned to standard time in the fall, there is more daylight on winter mornings.
In BC, mostly the whole province observes DST, with the exception of the Peace River Regional District and some of the east Kootenay region.
The first municipality in Canada to observe DST was Port Arthur, On, in 1908.
Then, in 1966, the United States standardized DST across the country and Canada followed suit soon after.
In 2024, the clocks will spring forward by one hour, from standard time to DST at exactly 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 10th. Essentially, there will be no 2 a.m., most clocks on devices such as phones will automatically set themselves straight to 3 a.m. at that time.
This means that all British Columbians in areas that observe DST will effectively lose an hour of sleep.
DST will be in effect until Sunday, November 3rd, when clocks will be turned back by one hour, granting most BC residents an extra hour of sleep.
Make sure to set any manual clocks ahead before going to bed this Sunday so you avoid being confused in the morning!
