Daylight Saving Time: Smart tips for a smooth time change

While all clocks in Mississauga will jump ahead by one hour next Sunday (March 8, 2026, at 2 a.m.), Daylight Saving Time means longer daylight hours to enjoy outdoor activities and warmer weather. Remember to update all clocks, in vehicles, on appliances, wrist watches, electronic devices and cell phones which might not change automatically.

While the time change means additional daylight, it can take a few days for your body to adjust. Try easing into the time change by going to bed earlier as losing an hour of sleep can affect alertness and concentration. Give your body time to adjust to a new morning routine.

Consider these Daylight Saving routine reminders

Feeling tired or unfocused can chip away at your concentration. Staying alert and keeping safety top of mind will help you stay on top of what matters and ease smoothly into the spring season as the days feel longer.

Check your transit schedule and delivery windows

If you rely on transit to get around, don’t forget to confirm route times to avoid delays on bus routes, GO train departures or rideshare pickups. Check schedules the night before and give yourself extra buffer time to avoid missing connections and unnecessary stress. At the same time, take a quick look at scheduled deliveries you might be expecting, as times might have shifted.

Stay alert on roads

More daylight means more people, including children, who will be out and about on roadways, walking, cycling, and spending time outdoors especially as the weather warms up. As always, drivers need to stay alert, follow speed limits, and watch for pedestrians and cyclists. Pay extra attention especially when turning, driving through school zones and residential neighbourhoods. If you’re walking or cycling, use designated crosswalks or crossrides, and cyclists should ensure their bikes have proper lights and reflectors to stay visible in early mornings and evenings.

Check your home

As warmer days arrive, spring is the perfect time to take care of your home and yard. Melting snow and spring rain can reveal problems that may have gone unnoticed over the winter months. Spending some time looking into your home can help prevent water damage, protect your property, and keep functioning to its full potential. Check and test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, get your furnace and AC inspected, check outdoor faucets, clear out dry vents, check for cracks in the foundation of your home, on your driveways or, check windows for proper seals.

Check vehicles

A vehicle tune up after a long winter is never a bad idea for safety reasons. Once the weather warms up, consider taking off your winter tires and switch to all‑season or summer tires. Check your car battery, refill fluids, coolant, and consider replacing windshield wiper blades. For better visibility, clean headlights, vehicle camera lenses and your windshield. Restock your emergency preparedness kit, ensuring that any expired items are replaced.

Pets need to adjust

Pets may need a few days to adjust to new feeding or walking schedules. Gradually shifting their routines can help reduce stress for your pet.

Daylight Saving Time brings longer days and brighter evenings, however, remember to set your clocks ahead for one hour and take a few simple steps to stay safe this spring.

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• Emergency and Preparedness
• Things to Do