You may have heard the joke by now: "How do you organize a solar eclipse party? You planet."

But you could also let someone plan it for you.

And throughout the Hamilton-Niagara region — home to some of the best areas in Canada to see the total solar eclipse on April 8 — there are plenty of options.

That day, people across the continent will see the moon pass between the sun and the Earth. In some places, it will partially block out the sun. But in others — including Hamilton, Burlington, Ont., Six Nations, Ont., and the Niagara Region — the moon will fully block the star's light.

The length of time will vary depending where you are. In Hamilton, for example, the sun will be completely hidden for about two minutes starting at 3:18 p.m. ET, according to the Canadian Space Agency. However, it will be at least partially covered from about 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

WATCH | Why the Hamilton-Niagara area is one of the best from which to view the eclipse:

2 months ago

Duration 4:04

Robert Cockcroft, the director of McMaster University’s William J. McCallion Planetarium, shares why the Hamilton-Niagara region will be the best in Ontario from which to view the April 8 eclipse. He also explains why this eclipse will be a big deal, and how to view it safely.

Here's some of what's going on, including outdoor viewing parties, overnight camping and an inflatable planetarium.

Hamilton

The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada Hamilton Centre is running a free, all-day event at CF Limeridge — "clouds or shine."

You'll get the chance to look through professional telescopes, with safe solar filters, or are welcome to bring your own, the group says. There'll also be educational activities for kids and adults, and free eclipse glasses and parking.

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in overflow parking lots C and D, and you're asked to register in advance.

There will be a free ticketed event at Tim Hortons Field organized by the city. The event page says it will include free parking and guests will be given free eclipse glasses. The city says programming will include family-friendly music, educational solar eclipse videos, and a University of Toronto eclipse broadcast. A beverage truck at the stadium will hand out free coffee and hot chocolate.

The city has also designated several parks "eclipse viewing areas" and will have some glasses available at those locations, including Bayfront and Confederation Beach Park. Limited number of pairs will be available as of 12:30 p.m., the city says.

If you've got connections to McMaster University, another option is that school's viewing party at the Ron Joyce Stadium. The party will be from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and tickets are free but limited to four per McMaster community member.

If you're downtown, the Sheraton Hamilton Hotel is hosting an eclipse countdown and viewing at its lounge from 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Organizers say they'll provide eclipse glasses on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Six Nations of the Grand River

People can gather at Six Nations Parks & Recreation to view the eclipse between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. The event is intended for the community and "parking is limited," Six Nations elected council said in a news release. "Once the parking lot is filled, vehicles will be turned away."

Brantford, Ont.

Brantford Region Indigenous Support Centre and Woodland Cultural Centre are hosting an event at 184 Mohawk St., in Brantford on Monday. Starting at 12:30 p.m., there will be bagged lunches while supplies last. At 1 p.m., there will be a Haudenosaunee astronomy presentation, followed by eclipse viewing outdoors. Organizers say to bring a blanket or chair.

Burlington, Ont.

The Royal Botanical Gardens's arboretum will host a "picnic-style" viewing party from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. featuring the Hamilton Amateur Astronomers. The event is free but you have to register and pay to park.

At Spencer Smith Park, Mayor Marianne Meed Ward and members of city council will be in attendance to view the eclipse with residents between 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. City staff will give out eclipse glasses.

St. Catharines, Ont.

Brock University is hosting an event on eclipse day from 12 to 4 p.m. The event at the main campus is free and open to the public, but university asks that attendees register in advance. There will be some paid parking. Brock will have a variety of educational exhibits led by researchers, and a community viewing of the eclipse.

Niagara Falls, Ont.

Niagara Parks is promoting several events, including some leading up to the date. The Power Station will host educators and a mobile planetarium from April 5 through 8. NASA and Canadian Space Agency scientists will give talks.

From April 6 to 8, the nearby Table Rock Centre will hold interactive workshops geared toward kids.

On eclipse day, the Butterfly Conservatory will have an astronomer from Toronto Metropolitan University present to talk with guests.

The falls will be lit up specially for the eclipse on April 7, and there will be live music on April 8 with performances from The Glorious Sons, JJ Wilde, New Friends, The Boneheads, and the Niagara Symphony Orchestra, which will play a prelude to the eclipse, resuming when the moon fully covers the sun.

For the theatrically inclined, Niagara Falls and Niagara Falls Tourism are partnering to break the Guinness World Record for having the most people dressed as the sun. Organizers are asking participants to register in advance. The attempt will take place at 8 a.m. at 5920 Niagara River Parkway. To break the record, the city says it needs 300 people who will be given a costume and go on a complimentary boat tour. Another 200 people can go on the tour.

Wainfleet, Ont.

The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority is opening its Ball's Falls, Binbrook, and Long Beach parks early for the eclipse.

At Long Beach in Wainfleet, Ont., the group camping area will be available for day-use on April 8. People can also book sites to camp at from April 7 to April 8.

Port Colborne, Ont.

At the Vale Health & Wellness Centre, there will be telescopes to view the eclipse, and an inflatable planetarium.

WATCH | How to safely view the eclipse:

2 months ago

Duration 1:26

Tom Sobocan, public relations director for the Royal Astronomical Society's Windsor group, explains where and how to watch the eclipse on April 8.

Fort Erie, Ont.

Fort Erie looks to have Canada's longest totality, meaning it will see the longest period of darkness during the eclipse: three minutes and 46 seconds. There will be road closures and designated viewing areas including Bay Beach and Crystal Ridge Park.

What if you can't see the eclipse?

If weather, work or something else prevents you from physically seeing the eclipse, or if you want a different view, there are streaming options too, including one from NASA.

Are you hosting or joining an eclipse event we should know about? Let us know at hamilton@cbc.ca

Alouettes's Grey Cup parade in downtown Montreal attracts thousands

It was a day of celebration in Montreal as the Alouettes took their victory lap so to speak with their fans in the streets of downtown Montreal. The area became one big street party with fans lining up to get a glimpse of the team that beat all odds. Global's Gloria Henriquez reports.

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The 2023 Grey Cup provided economic gain for both the city of Hamilton and province of Ontario.

According to a study by Sport Tourism Canada, the game and ’23 Grey Cup festival generated a net economic impact of $41.9 million, including $35.4 million for Ontario and $29.2 million for Hamilton, which staged the game. The Montreal Alouettes defeated the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 28-24 at Tim Hortons Field.

“These numbers show that regionalizing the festivities not only supported local economies in both Hamilton and the Niagara region but they also offered a better experience for fans who travelled from all across Canada,” said Neil Lumsden, Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport.

The email you need for the day's top news stories from Canada and around the world.

The study stated the game and festival generated over $73.5 million in total national economic activity. The net impact came following the accounting for initial expenditures.

Some 223,216 people attended the six-day festival and championship game. The 33,835 individuals who visited the region averaged 3.4 days in Hamilton and spent about $20.8 million.

“This unforgettable week wasn’t just about touchdowns, but also about celebrating our community spirit and the unifying force of sport,” said Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath. “The festivities supported local jobs and businesses and boosted tourism, which contributed positively to Hamilton’s economy.”

The study was commissioned by the CFL and Hamilton Tiger-Cats with the STC managing the data-collection process. It found there was $61.5 million in overall economic activity within Ontario and 64 per cent of the 1,151 surveyed attendees indicated the Grey Cup was their sole reason for visiting Hamilton.

Forty-two per cent said they came to Hamilton from outside of Ontario.

“The results of this study echo everything I heard during that remarkable week in November,” said CFL commissioner Randy Ambrosie. “That this was a truly special and unforgettable celebration of our great game.

“I applaud our tremendous event organizers and staff, and especially the many volunteers for all their incredible work in creating an event that mirrored the unbelievable passion and pride that our country has for Canadian football.”

Robert Cockcroft's advice for people in Hamilton on April 8? Don't leave town — and expect some guests.

"The Hamilton-Niagara area is the best place to see the eclipse because that's where we get to see a total solar eclipse," said the director of McMaster University's William J. McCallion Planetarium.

That day, people across North America will see the moon pass between the sun and the Earth. In some places, it will partially block out the sun. But in others — including Hamilton, Burlington, Six Nations and the Niagara Region, all in Ontario — the moon will fully block the star's light.

Only a few other cities in the province — including Kingston, Belleville and Cornwall — will have a similar view.

In Hamilton, the sun will be completely hidden for about two minutes starting at 3:18 p.m. ET, according to the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). However, it will be at least partially covered from about 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

That's because this region is in what's called the path of totality, Cockcroft said — a 100- to 115-kilometre arc across the globe from which things will line up just right. The CSA website states other cities in the path include Montreal and Fredericton.

2 months ago

Duration 4:04

Robert Cockcroft, the director of McMaster University’s William J. McCallion Planetarium, shares why the Hamilton-Niagara region will be the best in Ontario from which to view the April 8 eclipse. He also explains why this eclipse will be a big deal, and how to view it safely.

Hamilton area will go dark during the eclipse

"There are four to seven solar or lunar eclipses per year, but only those people along the path of an eclipse are able to see it," says the CSA.

If you're outside the path of the coming solar eclipse, "the light will dim noticeably and it will get a bit cooler, but you won't get to see the culmination of the spectacle that is the total solar eclipse, where the sky goes dark enough to see planets and stars in the sky," Cockcroft said.

What's likely to happen is that people from outside the region will come in to view the eclipse, he said. Based on his prior eclipse experience travelling to see an eclipse in 2017, Cockcroft predicts "the roads are going to be a nightmare."

But, he added, all people in Hamilton need to do is go outside and look up — with the proper eclipse glasses of course.

There will be a range of events in the area during the eclipse, including one McMaster University is planning, Cockfroft said. And if it's a cloudy day, livestreaming the eclipse will be possible too.

He said it's a great educational opportunity for children, many of whom won't have school that day — just take some precautions.

Looking at sun before, after totality can hurt eyes

The sun is too bright to view directly, Cockcroft said. But McMaster University has teamed up with the Hamilton public library to offer residents free eclipse glasses that use the international ISO 12312-2 standard.

With those on, Cockcroft demonstrated outside the planetarium, you can gaze at the star and study features such as sun spots.

The CSA says glasses made to that standard filter out enough light to make viewing the sun possible, and notes that eye protection is needed before and after the totality.

The only time one can look at the sun without eye protection is during the totality, Cockcroft said.

He said another option for eclipse viewers is to make an eclipse projector — a DIY tool that will allow you to view a projection of the eclipse without special eyewear.

Next total solar eclipse visible from Hamilton is 2144

"To have a total solar eclipse come to you is really a once-in-a-lifetime effect event," Cockcroft said. "We haven't had one of these since 1925 and the next one will be 2144."

But other than the rarity, why do people care so much about eclipses?

For one, it's a strange experience to have the sky go dark midday, Cockroft said.

"You'll notice something weird, even if you didn't know it was coming."

There also may be something more philosophical at play.

"During a total solar eclipse, for all our technology that we have, we still are at the mercy of things that are going on in the heavens," Cockroft said.

"And it's a nice way just to completely break off from whatever you happen to be doing on that day. Everyone in the community gets to experience this awesome event in the sky all at the same time."

HAMILTON, ON--(Marketwired - Oct 2, 2014) - APAC Customer Services, Ltd., a leader in global customer care outsourced services and solutions, announced today that it plans to add 150 jobs in its Hamilton, Ontario service center, between now and December. These additional customer service and telesales positions will provide phone and back-office support for several major clients. For all positions, strong computer skills are required. Previous contact centre experience is preferred, but not necessary to join the APAC team.

Ken Fraser, General Manager of APAC Customer Services' Hamilton location, stated, "I continue to be excited about our expansion in Hamilton. This growth provides members of our community the opportunity to work for a great organization and enables APAC to continue to deliver world-class service to our clients. This is an exciting time to be part of the APAC team, and I hope everyone currently interested in building a strong career with excellent opportunities for advancement applies for a position with us today."

APAC offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees after 30 days of employment. Employees are also eligible to participate in the company's Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) after one year of employment.

If you are interested in joining the APAC Hamilton team, you can apply by visiting http://apacjob.com and searching for job #140003887, or by following this link: https://ncogroup.taleo.net/careersection/apaccsrcanada/jobdetail.ftl?lang=en&job=140003887&src=OTH-11620.

You can also apply at our upcoming on-site career events, to be held every Friday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Our office is located at 77 James St. N, Unit 335/345, Hamilton, ON L8R 2K3. We are located inside the Hamilton City Centre directly above Hart department store. The most convenient entrance to use is near James St. N and Rebecca St. Please bring a hard copy of your resume and two pieces of valid photo ID.

About APAC Customer Services APAC Customer Services is a global leader of Customer Care business process outsourcing (BPO) services and solutions including sales, customer care, technical support, and back-office services. APAC Customer Services' clients include some of the most recognized brands in the world across all major market verticals. APAC operates via a world-class technology and operational delivery platform that spans North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia. APAC provides end-to-end, multi-channel customer lifecycle support across the world. APAC Customer Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. For more information, visit APAC's website at www.apaccustomerservices.com.

You now need to earn more than $20 per hour to have a reasonable standard of living in Hamilton, the Ontario Living Wage Network (OLWN) says.

The city's new living wage rate is $20.80, about nine per cent more than 2022's $19.05, which was almost 11 per cent more than the year prior.

The OLWN released its updated set of wage rates Monday. A living wage is the hourly pay workers need to make ends meet and participate in their community, the network says. It differs from Ontario's minimum wage, which went up on Oct. 1 to $16.55 per hour.

"Predictably, rent hikes and food inflation are the primary drivers of the increases in our living wage rates this year," Ted Hildebrandt, a planner with Hamilton's Social Planning and Research Council, said in a news release.

The living wage calculation varies based on where you live. The new 2023 rate for Brant Niagara Haldimand Norfolk is $20.35.

The lowest in the province is $18.65 per hour in southwestern Ontario, and the highest is $25.05 in the Greater Toronto Area. Ottawa saw the largest increase this year, with the wage rising 12 percent, from $19.60 to $21.95.

How a living wage is calculated

Unlike the Ontario legislated wage, the living wage is created using calculations by the OLWN based on the after-tax amount that people in three types of households — two parents aged 35 with two children aged seven and three, a single parent with a seven-year-old, and a single adult — would need to buy a basket of goods and services if working 35 hours per week.

That basket includes rent, food, child care, transportation, medical expenses, a modest vacation, and an emergency fund.

The wage calculation takes into account social assistance such as the Canada Child Benefit and is based on a weighted average of the three family types, using the 2021 census.

"This is really about a rate that allows someone to participate in our community and not just to get by," Hildebrandt said.

The OLWN was founded in 2017 and is funded by fees from certified employers and supporter organizations. The organization says it has certified over 600 employers as paying their local living wage.

Fair wage means staff can 'focus on the work': employer

One of those living wage employers is Zelus Material Handling, a crane manufacturing company based in Hamilton, where OLWN said the average annual rent for a one-bedroom apartment is now $18,693.

Simon Abdelmalak, assistant general manager at Zelus Material Handling, says paying a living wage is just good business.

"We try to get our employees not to worry about their financials. If they're getting paid a fair wage for what they're doing, they will focus on the work, growing the company and doing a good job."

Abdelmalak says while they haven't discussed the new rate yet, he expects the company will continue to pay a living wage.

"We don't go backwards,' he said.

Tom Cooper, director of Hamilton Roundtable for Poverty Reduction, agreed with the benefits of paying a fair wage.

"When employees can afford a decent standard of living, they experience reduced financial stress, improved mental and physical health, and increased job satisfaction," he said in a news release. "This can lead to higher employee morale and lower turnover rates, resulting in cost savings for employers."