Petrolia Changing Services During Monday's Eclipse

The town of Petrolia has announced some changes to services for Monday during the solar eclipse.

The eclipse, the most significant to be seen in North America in decades, is due to be visible Monday afternoon, with astronomers placing the timeline between 1pm and 4:30pm.

Petrolia is shifting some services during the event.

• The town's public works department will work indoors only Monday afternoon
• The parks and recreation department will be indoors as well
• The town's day camp at the Oil Heritage District Community Centre will take place as usual, but all activities will be moved indoors during the eclipse and children will not be permitted to walk or bicycle home during the eclipse
• Public swimming at the community centre will continue as scheduled, but the pool may be temporarily closed during the eclipse if the sun's path is visible in the windows.

Petrolia's community services and facilities director Dave Menzies says the safety of residents and staff is their top priority.

"It is extremely important to us that we take care of our staff, patrons at the Oil Heritage District Community Centre and our residents during this eclipse," says Menzies in a statement. "Even a moment of unintentional viewing of the sun is dangerous."

The town is urging residents who want to view the solar phenomenon to do so safely by obtaining CE or ISO approved glasses or viewing device, or using a cardboard projector with a pinhole. Looking at the sun directly can be extremely dangerous, and the use of regular sunglasses, binoculars, cameras or telescopes will not protect the eyes.