Ontario gears up for a spectacular solar eclipse experience
Nearly a million Canadians plan to journey to Niagara Falls for the celestial spectacle.
Millions are preparing to watch this year’s total solar eclipse on April 8. Ontario is hosting a variety of experiences for residents and visitors to celebrate this celestial phenomenon. The eclipse’s path through Canada will be nearly 200 kilometers wide, beginning in southwestern Ontario all the way to eastern Newfoundland and Labrador.
UTM hosts viewing party and public lecture at Davis Building on April 8
The University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) is leading the way with an educational and communal approach to the eclipse. Organized by the UTM Department of Chemical and Physical Sciences and UTM Alumni Relations, the university is hosting a solar eclipse viewing party and public lecture on April 8 at its Davis Building on the patio and field. The event is scheduled to take place from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Attendees will be equipped with solar eclipse glasses to ensure a safe viewing experience. UTM’s faculty and students will also be lecturing at the event, including Assistant Professor Mart Bryan and students from the Astronomy and Biology departments, to discuss the eclipse’s significance and answer any questions from the audience. Hot cocoa will also be provided, and guests are encouraged to bring their own reusable mugs. Registration is currently open on UTM’s website for those interested in joining.
Niagara Falls mayor expecting upwards of a million visitors to watch the solar eclipse
Niagara Falls is set to become the focal point of the solar eclipse viewing as it is expecting the largest crowd in its history. As the city braces for an influx of up to one million visitors on April 8, Mayor Jim Diodati told CP24 that Niagara Falls residents are buzzing with anticipation and excitement. The city has implemented comprehensive plans to manage the anticipated crowds, including enhancing internet services and ensuring public safety and convenience.
Hotel rooms near the Falls will cost upwards of C$1,000 per night or more on the night of April 7, and Metrolinx has promised to run more trains for domestic travellers on April 8. Mayor Diodati warns visitors to come prepared with food, water, and solar eclipse glasses and says that guests should not assume these items will be available in the city. He also advises that the best way to travel will be on foot due to the high volume of visitors. The Niagara Falls website has shared a page with tips on how to prepare, safe viewing information, and additional information regarding the eclipse.
Some Ontario schools reschedule PA days to coincide with the solar eclipse
In recognition of the eclipse’s educational value and safety considerations, eight Ontario school boards have amended their April 8 class schedules, including the Peel District School Board, Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, and Toronto Catholic District School Board. Morning transportation is set to remain the same, while after-school buses and taxis will reflect the adjusted dismissal times to ensure the safety of students.
In lieu of changing their April 8 schedules, many Ottawa school boards have chosen to reschedule their Professional Development (PD) days to April 8 to coincide with the solar eclipse, giving their students the day off. Some parents and other critics question whether this decision causes students to miss out on an important and rare opportunity for a teaching moment.
Canada Post unveils new stamp to celebrate the solar eclipse
On March 14, Canada Post issued a new stamp honouring the eclipse. Designed by Richard Nalli-Petta, the stamp features an artistic depiction of the eclipse path across Canadian landmarks, including Niagara Falls. The stamp’s special feature, a spot-gloss varnish that glows under black light, symbolizes the eclipse against a darkened sky. This initiative not only marks a tribute to the event but also offers a tangible keepsake for Canadians as it captures the essence of the eclipse’s journey across the nation.
Many Canadians across Ontario will celebrate this celestial event, which will not occur again until 2044. With a range of activities to choose from, Canadians have many options on how they will commemorate this unique opportunity.
Associate News Editor (Volume 50) — Karine is currently completing her bachelor’s degree specializing in Digital Enterprise Management at UTM. She has been involved with The Medium since 2022 as a contributor. She hopes to contribute to society's efforts to provide authentic and factual journalistic media to educate her readers during her time at The Medium. Her goal is to take her interest in ongoing research within the business and technology field and explore ways to share it with others through this platform. In her spare time, she enjoys going on walks, FaceTiming her family, and painting sunsets with her friends. Moreover, she passionately pursues the chase of the Aurora Borealis, seeking to experience and capture the breathtaking beauty of these natural light displays. You can connect with her on LinkedIn.