2026 Time Change Schedule
| Season | Date | Time | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 2026-03-08 | 2:00 AM | Clocks forward to 3:00 AM |
| Fall | 2026-11-01 | 2:00 AM | Clocks back to 1:00 AM |
Time Until Next Change
Economic Impact of DST in Ontario
The economic implications of Daylight Saving Time in Ontario are significant and multifaceted. Retail businesses often report increased sales during DST months due to extended evening daylight hours, which encourages shopping and dining out. The tourism and recreation industries particularly benefit, with golf courses, theme parks, and other outdoor venues seeing revenue increases of up to 7%.
However, the transition periods create temporary disruptions. Studies estimate that the Monday following the spring time change results in approximately $425 million in lost productivity nationwide due to sleep deprivation and adjustment issues.
Health Considerations for Ontario Residents
Medical research has revealed important health impacts of time changes in Ontario. The spring forward transition is associated with a 7% increase in heart attacks during the first three days after the change. Car accidents also spike by approximately 8% on the Monday following the spring time change.
Agricultural Considerations
Farmers in Ontario have historically had mixed feelings about DST. While the original justification for DST included giving farmers more daylight hours, modern farming practices rely heavily on the sun's position rather than clock time. Dairy farmers particularly note that cows don't adjust their biological clocks, creating temporary disruptions in milking schedules.
Preparation Tips
✓ Check and replace smoke detector batteries when changing clocks - it's a good reminder!
✓ Consider the time change when scheduling meetings with people in other time zones.
✓ Be extra cautious driving the Monday after the spring time change - accident rates increase.
✓ Gradually adjust your sleep schedule a few days before the time change to minimize disruption.