The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is preparing for the solar eclipse occurring on Monday, April 8; are you?
Town Staff have been attending regular meetings over the past several months with other Niagara municipalities, the Niagara Region, and various stakeholders to help support effective preparation for the solar eclipse and the expected influx of visitors.
All five of Niagara-on-the-Lake Fire's Stations will be staffed on April 8 to assist with potential emergency response efforts, in addition to Town Staff being deployed throughout the community to assist with traffic control and soft road closures. Soft road closures will occur throughout some residential areas, with signage indicating “Local Traffic Only” to help mitigate traffic. However, roads will not be fully closed to vehicular traffic. A map identifying soft road closures on April 8, 2024, is available for viewing at https://www.notl.com/solar-eclipse
Residents are encouraged to plan for a safe and successful solar eclipse as there are some unique challenges associated with such a rare and highly-anticipated event. Please read through this list of tips and recommendations for the day of the solar eclipse.
GENERAL REMINDERS
- Consider purchasing required items (i.e. groceries, personal items) before eclipse day.
- Have an emergency kit and preparedness plan for potential disruptions.
TRAVEL
- Be prepared for traffic congestion by fueling up your vehicle before the day of the eclipse.
- Your GPS may bring you the fastest way, but not always the best way. Research alternative routes.
- Pack everything you need for the day, such as water, snacks, phone chargers, entertainment, medication, and first-aid supplies.
- Ensure you follow the rules of the road and park in appropriate locations throughout Town, being mindful not to block driveways, fire hydrants, etc.
- New to the Niagara-on-the-Lake area? The Town is home to the first Diverging Diamond in Ontario. View this video to learn more about navigating this innovative interchange.
APPOINTMENTS
- Aim to complete all errands and appointments beforehand.
- Check ahead if you have plans for Monday, April 8, as some services may be closed or have limited hours.
CELL SERVICE
- Large numbers of visitors to a concentrated area can compromise cell signals. Consider developing a communication plan with family and friends ahead of time, and ensure your phone is fully charged for the day of the eclipse.
- If you regularly use cash or want some on hand, consider visiting your local bank or ATM beforehand. Due to increased cellular traffic, some ATMs that operate on Wi-Fi may be unavailable.
Coming for the sun? Stay for the fun! Niagara-on-the-Lake has so much to offer, from unique shops, delicious food, breathtaking accommodations, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and more. If you are planning to experience this rare phenomenon in Niagara-on-the-Lake, plan ahead for your visit by exploring ShopNOTL, the Town's business directory.
The Town is encouraging the public to visit the Town's website at https://www.notl.com/solar-eclipse to learn more about the solar eclipse and how the Town is preparing for this rare celestial phenomenon.
For immediate alerts, follow the Town on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Media Contact:
Marah Minor, Communications Coordinator
905-468-3266 | communications@notl.com