Solar Eclipse
TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE
April 8, 2024
Town Hall will not be open to the public for in-person service on this day.
Staff will be working remotely and available to serve you by telephone and email.
Regular in-person counter service will resume Tuesday April 9, 2024.
On Monday, April 8, 2024, Wainfleet and the Niagara Region (and many parts of the world) will experience a Total Solar Eclipse. The eclipse will move northeast across North America and pass directly over Lake Erie. During the eclipse the moon will cover the sun, causing the sky to darken for over 3.5 minutes. A once-in-a-lifetime event not to return again until 2144.
Safe Solar Eclipse Viewing |
The Township of Wainfleet will NOT be providing viewing glasses to residents or visitors. Visit Suppliers of Safe Solar Viewers & Filters for more information
Niagara Region Public Health Resources |
Temporary Road Closures |
With the estimated increase in visitors coming to the township, to ensure the safety of the the residents and access for emergency vehicles, staff have identified roads and areas with which temporary parking restrictions, increased penalties and closures should be implemented. The Township has passed a Temporary Special Events By-law that not only closes local roadways, but also implements additional restricted parking zones and increased parking fines. |
Temporary Restricted Parking Zones |
With the estimated increase in visitors coming to the township, to ensure the safety of the the residents and access for emergency vehicles, staff have identified roads and areas with which temporary parking restrictions, increased penalties and closures should be implemented. The Township has passed a Temporary Special Events By-law that not only closes local roadways, but also implements additional restricted parking zones and increases parking fines. Burkett Road & Minor Road Augustine Beach Area Lakeshore & Golf Course Road Area |
Solar Eclipse Resources and Partner Links |
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Eclipse occur? |
Monday April 8, 2024 |
Where will the Eclipse Happen? |
(Source: TheWeatherNetwork.com) |
What is a Total Solar Eclipse experience like? |
What is a Total Solar Eclipse? |
A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and the earth. A total solar eclipse is the same process, but the moon completely blocks the sun. Being in the direct path, Fort Erie will experience a dark sky, and the sun's corona will be visible for approximately 3-5 minutes. It is unsafe to look at the eclipse without specialized eye protection, visit Solar Eclipse Safe Viewing for full instructions. |
How long will the moon cover the sun in Wainfleet? |
Depending on exactly where you are along the path of totality and how close you are to its centre-line, the duration of totality changes. The longest duration total eclipse seen from Canada for this event will be in the location that is farthest to the southwest along the path of totality, as well as closest to the centre of the path (see the dotted line on the map below, click to enlarge). Wainfleet along with other locations along the northeastern shores of Lake Erie and southeastern Niagara Peninsula will see at least 3 minutes and 30 seconds of totality. |
When will the next Eclipse be? |
After the April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse, Wainfleet and the Niagara Region will not see another total solar eclipse until October 26, 2144. This truly is a once in a lifetime event. |
What Time will the Eclipse start? |
The total eclipse cycle starts around 2:04PM and ends around 4:32PM. The eclipse totality only lasts a few minutes and starts at 3:20PM. |
Where can I watch the Total Solar Eclipse in Wainfleet? |
The entire Township is in the "Path of Totality" and the safest place to view the eclipse is at home. It is strongly encouraged that residents avoid unnecesary travel before, during and after the eclipse. While the Township of Wainfleet does not have any dedicated viewing areas, its public beaches and parks are open. Additionally, the NPCA is opening their properties for day use as viewing sites. |
Where can I get Solar Eclipse glasses/viewers? |
The Township of Wainfleet will NOT be providing viewing glasses to residents or visitors. Visit Suppliers of Safe Solar Viewers & Filters for more information |
Will the Eclipse still be visible with overcast skies? |
Sadly if there are overcast skies on the day of the eclipse some viewing may be blocked. Other effects of the eclipse would still be visible including the dark skies and drop in temperature. |
What is the path of the Eclipse? |
Depending on exactly where you are along the path of totality and how close you are to its centre-line, the duration of totality changes. |