Posted: Thursday March 28, 2024
On April 8, 2024, a rare Total Solar Eclipse will occur, where the moon will pass between the Earth and the sun, casting a shadow on the earth. Brockville is in a unique position to view this Eclipse as the city will be along the Path of Totality, a thin band where a total eclipse can be observed. To mark this unique occasion, a community viewing event is planned at Blockhouse Island on Monday April 8 from 11am to 5pm.
Blockhouse Island will be closed to vehicle traffic for the event which will feature special activations from the Aquatarium, the Royal Canadian Air Force, local artisans and vendors, food trucks, bouncy castle, performances by the Royal Canadian Air Force Pipes and Drums, face painting, chalk art contest, telescope viewing area, and more.
Schedule of Events:
- 11:00 am: Blockhouse Island opens, vendors and on site activities begin
- 12:15 pm: Opening ceremonies in the Railway Tunnel Plaza featuring Matt Wren, Mayor of Brockville, Thomas Harder, Executive Director of the Aquatarium, and Colonel Maggie Jacula of The Royal Canadian Air Force
- 12:30 pm to 12:50 pm: The Royal Canadian Air Force Pipes and Drums performance
- 1:00 pm: Photos with mascot “Astra” at The Royal Canadian Air Force display
- 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm: The Royal Canadian Air Force Pipes and Drums
- 2:10 pm: Eclipse begins over Brockville
- 3:24 pm: Eclipse Totality over Brockville (to last 2 minutes and 47 seconds)
- 4:00 pm to 4:30 pm: The Royal Canadian Air Force Pipes and Drums in the Railway Tunnel Plaza
- 4:35 pm: Eclipse ends
- 5:00 pm: Vendors and activities close
“We’re excited to bring the community together and welcome visitors to Brockville to view this once in a lifetime event!” said Lesley White, Manager of Business Engagement and Partnerships, City of Brockville.
Free shuttle busses will be running from the Brockville Shopping Centre and the Brockville Memorial Centre to Blockhouse Island on a continuous loop from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm to alleviate traffic congestion to the site.
Solar eclipse glasses will be distributed to the Brockville community in advance of the event at the Aquatarium, during business hours, while quantities last. Local students will also be receiving pairs through their schools, courtesy of The Royal Canadian Air Force.
Limited quantities of solar eclipse glasses will be available at the event. Solar eclipse glasses are also available for purchase from a few local retailers, including Brockville Home Hardware and Canadian Tire.
For anyone unable to get to Blockhouse Island, or who would prefer to enjoy the eclipse indoors in comfortable seating, the organizing committee is working on a live stream of the event to be screened at the Brockville Arts Centre.
For everyone coming to the event on Blockhouse Island, it is recommended to dress appropriately for the season and weather by wearing multiple layers as the waterfront can be significantly cooler than other areas of the city. Attendees should also bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets in order to be the most comfortable.
For more information, visit our main eclipse page.