The mayor of Niagara Falls, Ont., says a state of emergency declared in the region is a precautionary measure ahead of an expected large influx of people coming to observe the total solar eclipse.
More than a million people are expected to flock to the border city, home to the iconic waterfall, on April 8 to observe the moon entirely blocking the sun’s rays for a few minutes, Jim Diodati told CBC News on Friday.
He said it would be the largest single-day spike in tourists in the city’s history.
The expected large crowds — which Diodati says will include scientists from the Canadian Space Agency and NASA — prompted the Niagara region to declare a state of emergency on Thursday.
The measure, it says, “strengthens the tools the region has at its disposal to safeguard the health and safety of residents and visitors and protect our critical infrastructure in any scenario that might arise.”
WATCH | From fuel to safety glasses, visitors urged to be prepared:
‘Come prepared’ when visiting Niagara Falls for the eclipse, mayor says
2 days ago
Duration 0:53
Jim Diodati, the mayor of Niagara Falls, Ont., says tourists coming to town for the upcoming total solar eclipse should plan for large crowds, bring their own glasses and other supplies and be mindful of increased traffic after the region declared a state of emergency.
Officials say they are concerned the large number of people could overwhelm traffic, emergency services and cellphone networks.
Diodati noted that by declaring a state of emergency as a precaution, it “potentially opens us up if we need any assistance with funding, provincially or federally.”
He added the declaration signals to visitors that they should be “mindful of the situation” and come prepared.
The rare eclipse is expected to be observed in Mexico first at around 11:07 a.m. PT, when the moon will move in between Earth and the sun. Its path will take it through the United States before it moves to parts of southern Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada.
WATCH | Why the 2024 solar eclipse is so special:
2024 Total Solar Eclipse: Why you’ll never see it again | About That
25 days ago
Duration 6:56
On April 8, a total solar eclipse is set to pass through parts of Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Andrew Chang explains what makes a total eclipse so special, and why this is likely the only one you will ever experience.
The eclipse is set to cast a partial shadow in several parts of southern Ontario. Observers in Niagara Falls, as well as those in the nearby communities of Hamilton and Grimsby, can expect total darkness for about three minutes sometime between 2 and 4 p.m. ET.
The total eclipse will be the first seen in Ontario since 1979. National Geographic declared Niagara Falls to be one of the best places to see it.
“It really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity where one of the great natural wonders is going to meet one of the great celestial events at the same time, at the same place,” Diodati said.
FREDERICTON – A look at Blaine Higgs, leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick.
Born: March 1, 1954.
Early years: The son of a customs officer, he grew up in Forest City, N.B., near the Canada-U.S. border.
Education: Graduated from the University of New Brunswick with a degree in mechanical engineering in 1977.
Family: Married his high-school sweetheart, Marcia, and settled in Saint John, N.B., where they had four daughters: Lindsey, Laura, Sarah and Rachel.
Before politics: Hired by Irving Oil a week after he graduated from university and was eventually promoted to director of distribution. Worked for 33 years at the company.
Politics: Elected to the legislature in 2010 and later served as finance minister under former Progressive Conservative Premier David Alward. Elected Tory leader in 2016 and has been premier since 2018.
Quote: “I’ve always felt parents should play the main role in raising children. No one is denying gender diversity is real. But we need to figure out how to manage it.” — Blaine Higgs in a year-end interview in 2023, explaining changes to school policies about gender identity.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 19, 2024.
OTTAWA – The pressing issues of climate change and food security join more familiar ones like violent extremism and espionage on a new list of Canada’s intelligence priorities.
The federal government says publishing the list of priorities for the first time is an important step toward greater transparency.
The government revises the priorities every two years, based on recommendations from the national security adviser and the intelligence community.
Once the priorities are reviewed and approved by the federal cabinet, key ministers issue directives to federal agencies that produce intelligence.
Among the priorities are the security of global health, food, water and biodiversity, as well as the issues of climate change and global sustainability.
The new list also includes foreign interference and malign influence, cyberthreats, infrastructure security, Arctic sovereignty, border integrity and transnational organized crime.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 19, 2024.
Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette returned to the 10-day injured list Thursday due to a right middle finger fracture.
The move, retroactive to Wednesday, essentially ends an injury-plagued season for Bichette.
He had two hits and one RBI in a 13-8 loss to Texas on Tuesday in his return from a 52-game stint on the IL with a right calf strain.
Bichette also missed nine games due to the calf issue in June.
His latest injury was suffered Wednesday during infield practice. Bichette was a late scratch in a 2-0 loss to the Rangers.
Bichette hit four homers with 31 RBIs in 81 games this season. He posted a .225 batting average and a .322 slugging percentage.
The Blue Jays also recalled outfielder Jonatan Clase from Triple-A Buffalo. He was active for the series finale against the Rangers on Thursday afternoon, the team said.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 19, 2024.
