'We're going to Canada's Wonderland!': Canada's biggest theme park opens for drive-thru COVID-19 vaccinations
As COVID-19 vaccinations continue across the country, more settings are opening up to welcome people to get their shot. While convention centres and college auditoriums have cleared space to take on the high number of people in line for the jab, the latest unexpected locale to be included in the rollout is Canada’s biggest theme park.
Canada’s Wonderland, located in the municipality of Vaughan, just north of Toronto, recently converted its space to accommodate a drive-thru vaccination clinic. The amusement park, which is home to Canada's largest rollercoaster, has been shuttered since last year as a result of the pandemic. It does plan to reopen for visitors in May.
The GTA’s first drive-thru clinic opens today at Canada’s Wonderland in Vaughan. Four busses have been retrofitted to carry vaccines. A spokesperson says they’re expecting up to 400 eligible people to be vaccinated today. @TorontoStar pic.twitter.com/7Wq893jU8i
— Maria Sarrouh (@Mariasarrouh) March 29, 2021
The vaccination site opened on Monday and will immunize about 1,600 people a day. Currently those who are eligible to receive the shot at the amusement park include York Region residents 70 years and older, high-priority health care workers, those working or living in long-term care or retirement homes, Indigenous adults and adult members of their households, adults with chronic conditions and faith leaders who provide end-of-life care or other pastoral services in vulnerable settings.
All those demographics who are eligible for the vaccine must live or work in the York Region and provide proof before getting the shot. Appointments are required and anyone who shows up without one will be turned away.
Online, there was mostly a positive reaction to the idea of Canada’s Wonderland being used as a vaccination site. Some teased that the "Vaccinator" and the "Innoculator" could be touted as the next big attraction.
canada’s wonderland closed and being used as a vaccination site for a global pandemic... imagine hearing that 2 years ago.
— amanda christine ♡ (@manders92) March 29, 2021
A perfect spring day would be:
1) Getting vaccinated at Canada's Wonderland
2) Immediately being in front seats of the Behemoth for a cycle
3) Upon exit from the Behemoth, draining a giant craft beer in under 30 seconds.
4) Limo ride home
Would pay much $ for this VIP package.— Greg Brady (@gregbradyTO) March 29, 2021
Dad: "Guess what Son we're going to Canada's Wonderland today!"
Son: :"Wahoo, your the greatest Dad!"
Dad: Ya we're going to get out vaccine shot!"
Son ...
When you have to trick your kids in to getting a shot, you pull out all the stops! 😆😉 https://t.co/umoocCYuUI pic.twitter.com/jeoIiDmfLR— Johnnysplace56 (@johnnysplace56) March 29, 2021
canada’s wonderland is Trending and i thought it would be about hopes of it opening but It is being used as a vaccination site 😅😅😅😅
— saihaj (@QF4BRAYS) March 29, 2021
The people of Vaughn Ontario finally have a good reason to go to Canada's Wonderland beyond relatives visiting. Yay vaccinations! pic.twitter.com/HtlGQNlXWP
— Bomb4sticCreations (@Bomb4sticThe) March 29, 2021
Hey kids! We're going to Canada's Wonderland*
(*to get our vaccines)— Christina Evans (@cakevans) March 29, 2021
Canada’s Wonderland isn’t the only recreational site worldwide to be transformed into a vaccination area. The Time Capsule Waterpark in Scotland, Yankee Stadium in New York, Disneyland in California and Berlin’s Erika-Hess ice stadium have also converted their spaces to accommodate vaccination clinics.
The province of Ontario has administered 2,031,735 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, while 5,211,633 doses have been given across Canada.
