As up to half a million tourists flock to Kingston this weekend in preparation for the total solar eclipse on April 8, the City is turning its attention to emergency preparations.
Because Kingston is in the eclipse’s path of totality, visitors are expected from across Ontario to view the rare celestial event.
This influx is anticipated to create severe traffic congestion in the region. The City of Kingston has been working with community partners and emergency services for months in preparation.
“There are a lot of unknowns in this one,” Greg Sands, an inspector with Kingston Police, said in an interview with The Journal. “We prepare for the worst and hope for the best.”
The department will be spreading their officers out across the city to be able to effectively respond to service calls. Because the eclipse will be easily viewed from across Kingston, Sands encourages people to avoid unnecessary trips to the downtown area.
Frontenac Paramedics Chief of Operations Dean Popov worries traffic congestion could delay paramedics from reaching critically ill patients.
Both Kingston Police and Frontenac Paramedics are upstaffing on April 8, with extra paramedics being assigned to locations in Kingston where high volumes of visitors are expected. Popov urges people to keep clear of emergency vehicles running emergency lights, whether driving or parked.
Kingston Fire & Rescue (KFR) is staffing both of their volunteer stations in Kingston’s east end.
The hope is this will eliminate the need for volunteers to navigate traffic on their way to the station and enable a quicker response from KFR.
While the eclipse may be a rarity for Kingston, Brad Joyce, commissioner of infrastructure, transportation, and emergency services for the City of Kingston, said the City learned from regions across the US that experienced a similar total eclipse in 2017. Some cities experienced traffic gridlock for between four and 12 hours.
One of the largest risks severe traffic brings is the inability for ambulances to access Kingston General Hospital (KGH). Highway 401 is a key route for Frontenac Paramedics serving Kingston’s surrounding areas.
Joyce said a single northbound and southbound lane on Sir John A. Macdonald Blvd., and King St. W. will be closed from Mowat Ave. to Barrie St. to allow emergency vehicles a direct route from the 401 to the KGH emergency room.
Both the emergency room at KGH and the Urgent Care Centre (UCC) at Hotel Dieu Hospital (HDH) will have increased staffing on April 8. According to Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) Chief Operating Officer Renate Ilse, elective surgeries on April 8 were deferred and clinic appointments were cancelled.
Viewing the solar eclipse without proper protection can put people at risk of serious eye damage, including partial or complete loss of eyesight—KHSC is prepared for the possibility of an influx of ophthalmologic injuries. A special post eclipse eye clinic is planned on April 9, by referral only.
What is more concerning is the increase in day-to-day emergencies.
“Kingston’s a relatively small city. Add 50,000 people, that’s going to be enough of a challenge, but add 500,000 people, all the normal things that happen in any given day will just be amplified,” Ilse said in an interview with The Journal.
KHSC hospitals are preparing for the possibility of increased trauma-related issues on the water. Many people are expected to be viewing the eclipse on Lake Ontario. If they’re looking at the eclipse and not at the water, there could be boating accidents.
The City and Kingston’s emergency services are urging people to avoid unnecessary travel and to choose public transport, cycling, or walking whenever possible. Those travelling to the region should come prepared and anticipate delays.
“Pack your patience. This is one of those ‘once in a lifetime’ events that are better enjoyed if everybody’s just really nice to each other,” Ilse said.
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