Cobourg, ON (March 1, 2024) – The Town of Cobourg Emergency Control Group would like to advise residents and local businesses of potential considerations due to the April 8 total solar eclipse.

On Monday, April 8, parts of Ontario will experience a total solar eclipse. A Solar eclipse is when the sun’s disk is completely covered by the moon’s shadow for a short period of time. These activities are rare, once in a lifetime opportunity. The last total solar eclipse took place in 1925 and the next one is not expected until 2399. The Town of Cobourg is on the path of totality, which is a narrow path approximately 110 - 115km wide where the sun appears to be completely covered, making Cobourg and the other communities within this area the prime location to view the eclipse.

At the Wednesday, February 28 Regular Council Meeting, Town of Cobourg Emergency Planner, Adam Bennett was joined by Eric Thibaudeau, Field Officer for Severn Sector Regional Field Services – South Operations Division, Emergency Management Ontario, to provide information to Council on the work being done in preparation for this scientific event. The Town of Cobourg Emergency Control Group flagged the total solar eclipse in 2023 due to its potential for drawing large crowds of people to observe the event. From a community emergency management position, the anticipated impacts that are being considered are the following:

Transportation:
The Emergency Control Group expects that Cobourg may see a large influx of traffic before and especially after the event. This has the potential to cause congestion on our local streets, major arterial roads and local highways.
Control Group Recommendations: Those who can are asked to please stay off the road. If you can work from home, consider doing so. Think of purchasing your groceries or any other regular supplies in advance of April 8. The goal is to keep roadways as clear as possible to ensure emergency services can get to where they need to be.
Cobourg Police Service reminds motorists to stay alert and exercise patience. Plan your route and leave extra time to get to and from your destination.

Local Infrastructure:
With a high influx of traffic, there is the potential for fuel shortages and higher than average dependencies on municipal and emergency services.
Control Group Recommendations: The Emergency Control Group recommends that residents and local businesses consider fueling up their vehicles in advance of the April 8 event. The Cobourg Fire Department will be adding an additional crew as a precautionary measure. Residents are advised to consider viewing the eclipse from a less densely populated area and one that will have a lower demand for facilities such as washrooms.

Health:
Looking directly at an eclipse without proper eye protection is even more dangerous than looking into the Sun on any other day. It can cause partial or total blindness if the proper precautions are not taken.
Control Group Recommendations: Viewing the eclipse can be done so safely with the use of high-quality eclipse glasses. The control group would like to advise residents that fakeglasses are also on the market. If purchasing glasses to view the eclipse, the Town of Cobourg recommends purchasing glasses as recommended by the Canadian Association of Optometrists.

Other Considerations:
Some local area schools and daycares have chosen to close on April 8 meaning that those with small children will be lacking childcare for the day. Parents are advised to check with your school or childcare facility about potential closures. Those that are remaining open, are advised to have a plan in place to ensure children do not look directly at the eclipse. A reminder to local businesses and organizations to check in with your staff to see what their personal requirements will be for the day to ensure continuity of business.

Timelines:
A partial eclipse will begin at 2:06:57pm on Monday, April 8. The total eclipse will last from 3:20:53pm to 3:22:18pm (a total of 1 minute and 25 seconds). The partial eclipse will then last until 4:32:53pm. The Town of Cobourg Emergency Control Group expects that those traveling to Cobourg to view the eclipse may begin to arrive on Sunday, April 7.

For more information on the total solar eclipse, visit Cobourg.ca/fire

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