Get ready to enjoy an extra hour of sleep, Calgary! The annual autumn tradition of turning back the clocks is upon us, marking the end of Daylight Saving Time for another season.
When to Make the Change
Remember to set your clocks back one hour before heading to bed on Saturday night. The official time change occurs at 2 a.m. local time on Sunday, November 5th, when clocks will "fall back" to 1 a.m.
Why We Still Observe This Tradition
While many Canadians have questioned the continued relevance of seasonal time changes, Alberta residents voted to maintain Daylight Saving Time in a 2021 referendum. The practice continues across most of the province, with only a few exceptions like Lloydminster and parts of northeastern British Columbia following Mountain Standard Time year-round.
Safety First During the Transition
The time change brings both benefits and challenges. While that extra hour of sleep sounds appealing, the earlier sunset means more commuters will be traveling home in darkness. This creates increased risks for pedestrians and drivers alike.
Expert safety recommendations include:
- Be extra vigilant at crosswalks and intersections
- Ensure your vehicle's headlights are properly functioning
- Consider wearing reflective clothing during evening walks
- Check and replace smoke detector batteries during the time change
- Use this as a reminder to test carbon monoxide detectors
The next time change will occur on March 10, 2024, when we'll "spring forward" and return to Daylight Saving Time. Until then, enjoy those brighter mornings and make the most of your bonus hour this weekend!
