Solar Eclipse Monday in Brockville – Events begin at 11:00 am This Morning!

Forecast: Increasing cloudiness with a high of 17C!

Brockville – Today is the day for the Total Solar Eclipse which can be seen this afternoon in Brockville.

It may be challenging to see the eclipse depending on the cloud. The forecast for today is Sunny, with increasing cloudiness and a high of 17C.

Today’s events at Blockhouse Island begin at 11:00 am this morning. There will be vendors and many activities.

At 12:14 pm is the Opening Ceremonies at the Railway Tunnel Plaza.

There will also be a live stream of the event, be sure to follow the Aquatarium to watch the live stream today, or enjoy it for free at the Brockville Arts Centre

The 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.

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, a bouncy castle, performances by the Royal Canadian Air Force Pipes & Drums, face painting, chalk art contest, telescope viewing area, and more.

The event is also a chance to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

“The Royal Canadian Air Force Celebrated 100 years of service on April 1, 2024, and we wanted to offer the residents of Brockville the opportunity to celebrate this significant milestone with us.” – Royal Canadian Air Force.

Schedule of Events:

• 11:00 am: Blockhouse Island opens, and 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 Jacula of The Royal Canadian Air Force. Following the Opening Ceremonies, there will also be a scheduled flypast of the CC130J Hercules.
• 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 & 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 to be the most comfortable.

For more information, visit www.brockville.com/eclipse.