Riverview Town Council has voted to move its April 8 meeting and public hearing to the following night due to the solar eclipse.

Motions to make the changes were introduced by Councillor at Large Heath Johnson and were unanimously approved on Monday night.

“April 8th is going to be a very special and very unique day in New Brunswick. For the first time since 1972, New Brunswick is going to experience a total solar eclipse. There will not be another solar eclipse within 1500 kilometres of here until 2079. It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime event,” Johnson told the council.

He also said he has had this event on his calendar for the past 20 years.

The eclipse will begin at around 4:35 p.m. and the partial eclipse will wrap up at around 5:40 p.m.

“Here in Riverview, we’ll get 99 per cent total eclipse, but if you want to enjoy the total solar eclipse for more than a few seconds, you need to travel a little bit north to either Bouctouche, Kouchibouguac, or Miramichi. They will turn to darkness for over three minutes,” Johnson adds.

His reasoning behind wanting the meeting moved is that he anticipates others will also want to observe.

“If they travel an hour outside of town to experience the eclipse, it will be difficult to return to Riverview in time for the 6:30 p.m. meeting.”

The public hearing is for three six-storey multi-dwelling units proposed for Pine Glen and Whitepine Roads.

The Riverview Town Council will now be held following the public hearing on April 9.

A reminder to not stare directly at the total eclipse without the proper glasses. It can cause severe damage to your eyes.