Canada's Wonderland in Vaughan shut out of Stage 3 COVID-19 recovery plan

While playgrounds, gyms, bars and indoor dining in York Region opened July 24 as part of Stage 3, the whole amusement park remains closed

Yorkregion.com
July 27, 2020

Canada's Wonderland, including the Yukon Striker roller coaster shown here, will remain closed as Vaughan enters Stage 3 of the COVID-19 pandemic recovery. - Steve Somerville/Torstar

Those with hopes of going to Canada’s Wonderland this summer may feel them fading fast.

While playgrounds, gyms, bars and indoor dining opened today as part of Stage 3, Canada's Wonderland remains closed.

A provincial document outlines the reopening of Ontario, including Stage 3.

The last statement Canada’s Wonderland issued relating to its opening was July 13:

“Canada’s Wonderland is disappointed to hear as part of the Stage 3 announcement that our park is still unable to open. We had previously submitted our plan for reopening to the provincial government and we are hopeful that this plan will receive serious consideration in short order. The health and safety of our guests and associates is always our top priority.”

According to the provincial document, the following remains closed as part of Stage 3:

• Amusement parks and water parks
• Buffet-style food services
• Dancing at restaurants and bars, other than by performers hired by the establishment following specific requirements
• Overnight stays at camps for children
• Private karaoke rooms
• Prolonged or deliberate contact while playing sports
• Saunas, steam rooms, bath houses and oxygen bars
• Table games at casinos and gaming establishments.

 

Why do these remain closed? The chief medical officer of health, public health experts and other officials have advised that these high-risk places and activities are not yet safe to open, because of the likelihood of large crowds congregating, difficulties with physical distancing, or challenges maintaining the proper cleaning and sanitation required to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

In Niagara Falls, Marineland has delayed its reopening. Marineland has received approval to reopen, except for rides and the educational presentations. The chief medical officer of health is reviewing the park’s reopening plan for rides and will provide more direction.

Marineland has made the decision to shift its reopening, which had been planned for July 24 to Wednesday, July 29.

Some had expected Canada’s Wonderland to open as part of Stage 3.

Wonderland disclosed to Blog TO that it had started training staff for the reopening.

This year's season passes will be extended into the 2021 season.