A mass COVID-19 vaccination clinic has officially opened in Goderich, and vaccinations have already begun.
The clinic opened on the former ice surface of the town’s Maitland Recreation Centre.
Goderich Mayor John Grace says original plans called for the gymnasium section of the MRC to be used, if needed, but research by public health officials required rink-sized surfaces.
The town made the decision in mid-January to melt the ice surface as a cost-saving measure, due to a lack of use prompted by provincial stay-at-home orders.
At that time, Grace says there was no plan by the town to use the ice surface as a future vaccination centre, but he is happy the facility can be put to use.
“It won’t be active every day. It will be active periodically,” says Grace.
While public vaccinations have not begun, Grace says local frontline workers and residents have already received their COVID-19 shots.
Huron Perth Public Health released their vaccine implementation plan earlier this month, calling for mass and mobile vaccination clinics.
Planning is underway to determine community clinic sites across both counties.