Screams of excitement and laughter will be heard from Wonder Mountain once again starting April 30.
Canada’s Wonderland is reopening this spring and aiming to fill roughly 4,000 jobs, the Vaughan, Ont. amusement park announced Tuesday.
“We may be in the depths of winter, but we’re already looking ahead to the brighter, warmer days of spring when we can welcome guests back for the 2022 season,” general manager Norm Pirtovshek said in a release.
Hiring is underway through Wonderland’s job portal.
“Working here is fun for obvious reasons and comes with great benefits,” said Pirtovshek.
People hired during winter and early spring will be primarily focused on the summer season, director of communications for Wonderland Grace Peacock told Humber News.
The 4,000 roles are mostly seasonal and include part-time and permanent jobs.
“It’s taking us through to the end of August and then usually no later than halfway through the summer we start hiring for our fall programming,” she said.
That’s when job opportunities for fall and winter activities such as Halloween Haunt or Winterfest will become available.
The park is currently hiring for various roles including food service associates and line cooks, lifeguards, ride operators and maintenance. In addition, there are openings for security, guest services and entertainers such as musicians, character performers and show hosts.
COVID-19 protocols still to be worked out
Amid the plentiful chances for work however, is the cause for concern with COVID-19.
Peacock acknowledged the fluidity of the pandemic and changing restrictions.
“Since our opening isn’t until April 30, we’re looking to provide information on our protocols closer to that day,” Peacock said.
“We continue to work closely with provincial and regional health officials to figure out what’s going to be OK.”
The concern for safety is paramount, and for Joanne Marie, 24, it’s at the forefront of her mind when looking for work.
“It’s always hard to gauge safety protocols when applying for work, because you’re unfamiliar with the environment,” said Marie, who lives in Brampton.
Wonderland did operate last summer with health and safety precautions such as an online reservation system, as well as health screening and temperature checks for guests.
According to the province’s projections, April 30 will see COVID-19 case numbers similar to that of fall 2021, meaning average daily cases between 300 to 450 and a lower risk than the province is currently seeing.
“Everything seems like it’s close contact, but it’s still an opportunity I’d want to take,” said Marie.
No new rides this year
Wonderland enthusiasts who are looking for new rides might be met with disappointment as there are no plans for any, but Peacock assures a new dining experience is on the way in the form of a two-storey restaurant.
Peacock describes it as a rustic Canadian lodge-type theme overlooking Yukon Striker and Frontier Canada.
“Food, beverage and the dining experience is often just as important as the big thrill rides, so we’re excited to see this,” Peacock said.