Solar Eclipse News: Eastern Ontario Canada Prepares for Crowds on April 8th 2024

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A small part of Eastern Ontario is within the path of totality of the April 8 solar eclipse, and the county government in the affected area is preparing for crowds that day.

Roughly the southern half of the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry is within the path of the total solar eclipse, which will sweep northeasterly across North America from Mexico to Newfoundland that day. Total eclipses occur when the Moon completely covers the face of the Sun. To see it, people must be somewhere within the narrow path of totality.

SDG will be among the only places in Ontario to experience totality during the eclipse. The northern limit of the path of totality roughly follows the boundaries between North and South Glengarry, North and South Stormont, and North and South Dundas.

At 3:24:40 p.m. on April 8, the area within the path of totality will experience complete darkness for two minutes and 15 seconds. Areas north of the path of totality will experience partial darkness throughout the day.

Due to SDG’s location, significant tourist traffic is expected on April 8 and Counties officials are planning for it. Ottawa, Toronto, and half of Montréal are just north of the path of totality, meaning eclipse enthusiasts in those big cities will likely be traveling to places where they can experience the full effects of the phenomenon.

At the February 20 meeting of SDG Counties council, Corporate Communications Coordinator Todd Lihou said the Raisin Region Conservation Authority had not scheduled any official eclipse events for its conservation areas.

The St. Lawrence Parks Commission is planning a viewing event at Crysler Farm Battlefield Park beside Upper Canada Village near Morrisburg. The commission, an agency of the Ontario government, has purchased 10,000 pairs of eclipse glasses for visitors to use so they may view the sun safely. The event takes place from 1 - 4:30 p.m. on April 8. Fees for parking and miniature train rides will apply. The commission is also planning to open the Long Sault Parkway scenic route between Ingleside and Long Sault to offer more viewing locations.

South Dundas Mayor Jason Broad said the municipality has been planning for the extra traffic on April 8. Crysler Farm Battlefield is located in South Dundas.

“We do expect a large influx of people,” Broad remarked.

He said all municipal staff will be involved in the effort to manage traffic and trash on eclipse day. Broad said the municipality is working with local employers on adjusting starting and quitting times so employees can easily get to work and home again. He said he is concerned about traffic stopping on highways 401 and 2 to view the eclipse. He has also requested SDG road staff be available to assist South Dundas staff if necessary.

SDG Training and Emergency Management Coordinator Katherine Beehler said the counties are part of a provincial working group composed of affected municipalities and provincial government departments within the path of totality across Ontario. Beehler said discussions have taken place with telephone companies about how extra tourist traffic could strain mobile phone service and 911 emergency services.

Beehler said SDG is also coordinating possible traffic concerns with the City of Ottawa, which borders SDG to the northwest. Her advice to residents within the path of totality is to watch it from their backyards to avoid the expected traffic. “If you live in SDG Counties, the best view is at home,” Beehler said.

Out of concern for children's safety, all school boards in Eastern Ontario have canceled classes on April 8 and designated it a professional development day for teachers.

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