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a solar eclipse over a rural area
4:20 p.m. April 8, 2024
Windmill Rd is now open.

Windmill Rd is now Open

3:00 p.m. April 8, 2024
Windmill Road is now closed as the road and parking lot have reached capacity. Additional (limited) parking is available at the Port of Johnstown. Consider walking or carpooling to any destination today to ease traffic congestion after the eclipse.

Windmill Rd is closed and additional parking available at Port of Johnstown

11:30 a.m. April 8, 2024
Parking is limited at Cardinal’s waterfront from Legion Way and we expect it to be full. Additional parking is available at Dishaw Street behind the Cardinal Library. Consider walking or carpooling to any destination today to ease traffic congestion before and after the eclipse.

Map to show parking on Dishaw Street

 

Solar eclipse safety in Edwardsburgh Cardinal

On April 8, 2024, a rare astronomical event will occur - a total solar eclipse! The path of totality will pass through the township of Edwardsburgh Cardinal, providing an unforgettable experience for those lucky enough to witness it. As the moon completely blocks the sun, the sky will darken and the temperature will drop, creating an eerie and awe-inspiring atmosphere. For residents and visitors planning to experience the 2024 solar eclipse in Edwardsburgh Cardinal, we ask that you prioritize safety as you enjoy 2024's out-of-this-world event.

 When will we see the eclipse?
The duration of this event on April 8 will vary depending on where you are viewing it from. For precise timing in your area, check out this interactive map from timeanddate.com. In Edwardsburgh Cardinal, you can expect the eclipse to last about two and a half hours, starting around 2:11 p.m. with the duration of totality ranging from 18 seconds in the most northern parts of our township to 2 and a half minutes along some of our waterfront areas. You can expect the eclipse to be at it's maximum - when the sun is at it's most hidden - around 3:25 p.m.

Safety first

Only some communities in Eastern Ontario will find themselves in the path of totality, although many others will still experience a partial solar eclipse. We expect to welcome many visitors that are passing through or staying in our area to experience the event, but residents already have front-row seats right in their own backyard. Whether you're a resident or visitor, safety should be your first priority.

1. Plan ahead

We anticipate additional traffic in our area leading up to, during and after the event. Plan ahead by filling your gas tank, and having snacks, water, entertainment and first aid supplies on hand. You might consider postponing non-essential errands, or leaving yourself extra time to get to appointments.

Parking will be limited in popular areas like the waterfront. Our Ingredion Centre, South Edwardsburgh Community Centre and Spencerville Arena offer free parking, but spaces are limited and early Spring weather means parking on the grass isn't likely to be an option. If you plan to view the eclipse away from home, plan to walk to your chosen viewing location if you live close.

2. Road safety

Remember that daylight will be affected from approximately 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and we will experience darkness when the eclipse is total. If you are driving during the event, remember to turn on your headlights, reduce your speed and watch for distracted drivers or pedestrians. Do not stop on the shoulder of the road unless parking is permitted and you can do so safely.

Emergency personnel will be on stand-by during the event and it's imperative that they can navigate our roads to reach their destination as quickly as possible in the event of an emergency.

Stay updated on road conditions before, during and after the eclipse by visiting 511on.ca.

3. Eye protection

Proper eye protection is necessary in order to view the eclipse safely. The international safety standard for eclipse glasses is ISO 12312-2, which applies to products intended for direct solar viewing. Unfortunately, counterfeit glasses have been made and sold online. The only way to make sure you don’t have counterfeit eclipse glasses is to get them from a reliable and trustworthy source. Always read and follow the safety information printed on your eclipse viewing glasses. Inspect your glasses for wrinkles or scratches and don't use them if they are damaged.

 How to use eclipse glasses
  • Hold the eclipse glasses with two hands
  • Stand with the front of your body toward the Sun, but look down
  • Still looking down, put the eclipse glasses onto your face
  • When they are securely fastened, raise your head and look up at the Sun

Risk of eye damage

The Leeds Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit provides helpful insight on the risk of eye damage from looking at the Sun during the event. 

Although the Moon will be covering most of the Sun, it's still dangerous to look directly at the Sun during a solar eclipse. Viewing the sun with your naked eye during the eclipse can burn your retina, damaging the images your brain can view. This phenomenon, known as “eclipse blindness,” can cause temporary or permanent vision impairment, and in worst-case scenarios can lead to legal blindness, which entails significant loss of vision.

“There are no pain sensors in your retinas to indicate that your eyes are being damaged by looking at the sun”, says Dr. Linna Li, Medical Officer of Health for the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit. “Symptoms can take 12 to 48 hours to appear and can include retinal burns, permanent or temporary visual loss, and blurred vision. Once symptoms begin, it's usually too late to reverse any damage. This is why prevention and protection for your eyes is very important. ”

If you require medical assistance because of a risk of exposure, call Ontario811 or visit a virtual care clinic.

 How to avoid eye damage

 To avoid damaging your retinas when viewing the solar eclipse, our Health Unit recommends:

  • Do not view the eclipse at all or use a proper method of blocking the sun's dangerous rays while viewing
  • Use a filter that blocks all dangerous light - ISO-certified eclipse glasses from a reputable vendor that meet the ISO 12312-2 international safety standard. The manufacturer's name and address must be printed on the product.
  • Do not use any viewer if it has scratched or wrinkled lenses
  • Be careful of anyone trying to offer viewing devices that are not certified
  • Do not use:
    • ordinary sunglasses or multiple pairs of sunglasses
    • neutral density or polarizing filters, such as those made for camera lenses
    • smoked glass
    • photographic or x-ray film (unexposed, exposed or developed)
    • binoculars or telescope – even with certified glasses

Alternate viewing

If you aren't in town or our weather takes a turn for the worse and we find ourselves with unwelcome cloud cover, the eclipse can be viewed on your television or online. The event will be live-streamed by many organizations such as Time and Date or The Weather Network.

The ARISA Lab has developed a free app that makes eclipse viewing more accessible for those that are blind or have low vision. Try the Eclipse Soundscapes multi-sensory experience or the Rumble Map to hear and feel the eclipse at various stages of progression. The app is available for apple and android devices. 

Our neighbouring communities are planning some fantastic viewing events you can participate in. Find an event that suits your viewing style from Southeastern Ontario's site, which is updated regularly. Wherever you view the eclipse, please prioritize your safety and the safety of those around you.

If you do not have appropriate eye protection, you can make your own eclipse projector using these simple instructions and a few household items.

Thank you

This information was compiled by Edwardsburgh Cardinal's Emergency Management Program Committee, using resources from our partners and trusted agencies. Links are provided throughout this page so you can learn more about eclipse safety and maximize your viewing experience.