Reminder: Clocks Fall Back One Hour on Sunday as Daylight Saving Time Ends

Brockville – It is that time of year again, as we fall back one hour to end Daylight Saving Time on November 2nd.

At 2:00 a.m. this Sunday, clocks are turned back by one hour to 1:00 a.m. local standard time. This marks the end of Daylight Saving Time (DST) for the year and results in gaining an extra hour of sleep.

Sunrise and sunset will be about 1 hour earlier on Nov 2, 2025, than the day before. There will be more light in the morning and less light in the evening.

This happens across Canada except for all of the Yukon, most of Saskatchewan, and some parts of British Columbia and Quebec, which stay on standard time year-round.

Daylight Saving Time was first introduced in Canada during the First World War as a way to conserve energy by maximizing daylight hours. The idea was that shifting the clock would reduce reliance on artificial lighting and heating.

Today, the original rationale for energy saving is less relevant, but the tradition persists. Supporters argue that longer summer evenings encourage outdoor activity and boost retail and tourism.

Critics counter that the disruption to sleep schedules and the abrupt shift in daylight patterns outweigh any benefits.

For many, the extra hour of sleep on Sunday morning is a welcome perk. But experts note that the time change can have real impacts on health and safety:

• Sleep disruption: Even a one-hour shift can affect circadian rhythms, leading to grogginess, irritability, and reduced concentration in the days following the change.
• Road safety: Studies have shown a short-term increase in collisions after clock changes, as drivers and pedestrians adjust to darker commutes.
• Mental health: Shorter daylight hours in the late afternoon can contribute to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression linked to reduced sunlight exposure.
• Workplace productivity: Employers often report a decline in focus and efficiency in the week following the time change.

In recent years, several provinces, including Ontario and British Columbia, have passed legislation to move permanently to Daylight Saving Time or standard time. However, these changes are contingent on neighbouring jurisdictions making the same move to avoid confusion in cross-border trade and travel.

For now, Ontarians will continue to adjust their clocks twice a year.