An Ontario advocacy group has taken legal action against the Niagara Region after it declared a state of emergency in anticipation of Monday’s total solar eclipse.
The Canadian Constitution Foundation (CCF) has filed for a judicial review and is urging Ontario Premier Doug Ford to intervene in response to the region's emergency declaration, which the group believes was unnecessary.
The Niagara Region announced the state of emergency at the end of March, citing concerns about a potential surge in visitors flocking to the area to witness the solar eclipse. Regional Chair Jim Bradley described the declaration as a precautionary measure, emphasizing the importance of public safety.
Niagara Falls has been highlighted as one of the prime locations to observe the celestial event, leading authorities to prepare for an anticipated influx of tourists. Estimates suggest that up to one million people could descend upon the region.
In response to the legal challenge, the CCF expressed worries about the increasing trend of emergency declarations in situations where genuine emergencies may not exist.
While Niagara Falls is expected to attract a significant number of visitors, other areas in Ontario, including Hamilton and Kingston, are also anticipated to be within the eclipse's path of totality.
The solar eclipse is scheduled to occur on Monday afternoon, with regions experiencing the total eclipse expected to witness several minutes of darkness as the moon obscures the sun. Authorities stress the importance of ensuring public safety during the event.
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