On Monday, April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will occur, and for the first time in 700 years, Loyalist Township is in the area known as the “Path of Totality” which means the moon will be perfectly aligned between the earth and the sun, blocking out the sun’s rays entirely.
This once-in-a-lifetime celestial event is expected to draw significant crowds to Loyalist Township and the surrounding area. Township officials are working to ensure that residents and visitors alike experience this rare spectacle safely.
Eclipse Details
The total solar eclipse will begin in the Loyalist area at about 2:09 p.m. and conclude around 4:35 p.m. The moon is expected to reach the path of totality (maximum coverage by the moon) at 3:21 p.m. and total coverage will span until approximately 3:23 p.m.
Township Offices
Loyalist Township offices will remain open to the public on April 8th from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Safety Recommendations
- Calling local business owners, community groups and schools! We encourage you to post the attached Solar Eclipse Safety Poster from Emergency Management Ontario at applicable sites to help encourage safe viewing practices.
- Talk with your children in advance! Monday, April 8, 2024, is a P.A. Day for the Limestone District School Board and Algonquin Lakeshore Catholic District School Board. Those overseeing childcare should set reminders about the eclipse and explain to children in your care the dangers of looking up during this event. We recommend those with young children stay inside during the eclipse and shut their blinds or curtains to minimize any potential risk.
- Looking directly at the sun during a solar eclipse can cause permanent damage to your eyes. There are no pain sensors in your retinas to tell you that your eyes are being damaged. Once symptoms begin, the damage is usually too late to reverse. If you are planning to watch the eclipse, please ensure you have ISO-certified eclipse glasses. Please note that sunglasses are NOT safe to use during an eclipse. It is especially dangerous to look at any part of the sun through unprotected magnifying lenses such as binoculars, telescopes, etc. Learn from the Canadian Space Agency how to watch an eclipse safely.
- Be careful buying glasses online! Counterfeit glasses, films, or filters can result in serious eye injury. ISO-12312-2 certified eclipse glasses can be purchased and/ or collected at the following sites:
- Kingston Frontenac Public Library locations will distribute glasses the week of March 25th, 2024.
- Queen's University: Eclipse glasses and viewers will be provided to various locations (TBD) throughout Queen's campus and will be distributed the week of March 25th, 2024. A list of pickup locations will be available online soon.
- Tourism Kingston: Visitors to Kingston can also purchase glasses on the Tourism Kingston website or in-person at the Visitor Information Centre (209 Ontario St., Kingston). These glasses can be purchased for $2.50.
- The American Astronomical Society (AAS) has shared an approved list of online vendors for eyewear purchases.
- Preserve emergency capacity for those who need it most. Only call 9-1-1 for emergencies.
- Plan to be off the road during the eclipse. If you must drive, keep your eyes on the road, not on the sky.
Traffic Advisories
- Plan your day in advance! Expect higher traffic volumes throughout the day due to the eclipse.
- Ensure your vehicle is fully fueled. Extra traffic may lead to line-ups and/or sold-out fuel supplies, especially in rural areas.
- Drive with caution. If you have to be on the road during the main eclipse window, keep your eyes on the road, not on the sky.
- Turn your headlights on early! Make sure your headlights are on for at least a half hour before (approximately 1:50 p.m.) and after totality (4:35 p.m. onwards) as the sky will be dark.
- Be patient. Anticipate heavy traffic and delays when leaving viewing areas and abide by the rules of the road and traffic management personnel.
- Yield! Remember to yield to emergency vehicles.
- Park responsibly! Only park in designated parking areas and do not park along the side of the road.
Amherst Island Ferry
- Plan your day! Anticipate higher traffic volumes and wait times throughout the day. Those wishing to visit the Island are encouraged to carpool or walk on the ferry. Please note that the Stella and Millhaven Ferry Docks have limited parking and line-up space.
- Be patient. Dock Patrol will be stationed at the Stella and Millhaven Ferry Docks to help manage traffic flow.
- Enjoy the eclipse! The Frontenac II will be docked during the time of totality, 3:21 p.m. to 3:23 p.m. approx.
- Stay connected! Reminders will be shared through the CodeRed Amherst Island Ferry Notification System leading up to April 8th and throughout the day as required.
Respect Parks, Public Spaces & Private Property
- Don't be a litterbug! Please respect our parks and public spaces by leaving them as you found them. Dispose of waste in designated garbage bins. Extra disposal bins will be distributed throughout Township parks.
- Remember to respect private property. Do not enter private property or park on private property without permission.
- Park responsibly! Only park in designated parking areas and do not park along the side of the road.
- Carpool or walk! Those wishing to visit local parks to view the eclipse are encouraged to carpool or walk due to limited parking space.
- No overnight parking! There is no overnight parking at Township parks or recreation facilities.
Local Resources
- ISO-certified eclipse glasses can be purchased and/ or collected at the following sites:
- Kingston Frontenac Public Library locations will distribute glasses the week of March 25th, 2024.
- Queen's University: Eclipse glasses and viewers will be provided to various locations (TBD) throughout Queen's campus and will be distributed the week of March 25th, 2024. A list of pickup locations will be available online soon.
- Tourism Kingston: Visitors to Kingston can also purchase glasses on the Tourism Kingston website or in-person at the Visitor Information Centre (209 Ontario St., Kingston). These glasses can be purchased for $2.50.
- The American Astronomical Society (AAS) has shared an approved list of online vendors for eyewear purchases.
- Take place in organized events:
- PA Day: Eclipse Extravaganza at the Amherstview Branch - L&A Libraries (April 8th)
- Eclipse 101 Webinar hosted by the Amherstview Branch - L&A Libraries on April 1st
- Engage with the Eclipse (Educational workshop for all ages) at the Amherstview Branch - L&A Libraries on April 3rd and April 6th
- Locations for viewing in the Township:
- Total Eclipse of the Farm at Mackinnon Brothers Brewing Company, 1915 County Rd 22, Bath
- W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre, 322 Amherst Dr, Amherstview
- Odessa Fairgrounds, 231 Main St, Odessa
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