More than 93 per cent of those who completed a provincial survey say they want want permanent daylight savings time.
The desire for the move was consistent throughout the province, with more than 90 per cent of respondents in each region saying they want the change.
A record 223,273 people completed the survey.
“The people of British Columbia have spoken and their collective voice has come through loudly and clearly,” said Premier John Horgan in a statement.
“This engagement has done exactly as we hoped it would in providing clarity about a preferred direction. The insights generated will be relied upon as we make a final decision about how to move forward.”
The province says results from the engagement will be considered alongside decisions made by jurisdictions in Canada and the western United States — as the Province determines the best course of action moving forward
More than half in the survey responded that it was “important” or “very important” for B.C. to be aligned with neighbouring jurisdictions.
“We will continue to monitor similar debates in neighbouring jurisdictions, keeping in mind the wide-ranging impacts. We want to make sure we consider every implication in determining what is right for B.C.,” added Horgan.
Balancing daylight hours throughout the year and health and wellness concerns were the most commonly identified reasons in the survey.
Seventy-five per cent those preferring year-round DST identified health and wellness concerns. Fifty-three per cent of respondents noted benefits of additional daylight during the evening commute in winter, while 39 per cent identified other safety concerns as reasons for their support.
CHEK News
