News release: March 8, 2021
Region of Peel partners with The International Centre and Greater Toronto Airports Authority to open large scale COVID-19 vaccination centre
(Brampton, ON) March 8, 2021 – As part of Peel's Community Mass Vaccination Plan, the Region of Peel has coordinated with The International Centre and the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) to use conference hall space as the site of a new, large scale COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Mississauga.
This complements a Regional system approach that will see the operations of multiple clinic sites across the geography of Peel, in a variety of locations and settings. With priority of reaching the Region's most vulnerable populations, clinics will ramp up and begin operations in the coming weeks as vaccination supply becomes available.
The International Centre offers large space for clinic operations, free parking and readily available transit options for residents. The International Centre is operated and owned by Rice Group and the GTAA, and is being provided for use by the Region of Peel on a cost-recovery basis.
Vaccination clinics will eventually be open for the general public by appointment, along with other locations in the Region of Peel including hospitals, drive-thru, mobile on-site clinics, Ontario Health teams, primary care, and other locations.
Read more about Peel's prioritization approach.
Knowing when you will receive the vaccine
Broad communication on who will be vaccinated next, clinic dates and locations as well as options for making an appointment will be shared in different languages through a variety of ways, including the Region of Peel's website, social media platforms and many print and digital channels.
About the Greater Toronto Airports Authority
The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) is the operator of Toronto Pearson International Airport. Toronto Pearson served more than 50 million passengers in 2019, making it Canada's busiest airport.
For more information on the GTAA, please visit Toronto Pearson on Twitter (English and French), Facebook or Instagram.
About The Rice Group
Rice Group is a vertically integrated retail, industrial and infrastructure developer. It manages a portfolio in excess of 600 acres primarily in the Greater Toronto Area. The International Centre is a multi-purpose convention and event facility in Mississauga, adjacent to Toronto Pearson International Airport. For more information on Rice Group please visit ricegroup.ca
Quotes
Nando Iannicca, Regional Chair, Region of Peel: “Working with partners such as the GTAA is vital to the successful rollout of the vaccination clinics. By creating multiple options for residents across the Region, we can reach all corners of our community. We are so thankful to all of the partners, like the GTAA, who are stepping up to support the community in unique ways, and be a part of this historic work.”
Dr. Lawrence Loh, Medical Officer of Health, Region of Peel: “In order to reach the Region’s 1.5 million residents, we need a broad, system-wide approach to creating spaces for clinic operations. The International Centre will offer an excellent, large-scale opportunity for Peel residents as they get vaccinated for their own sake, but also to help protect their families and neighbours.”
Mayor Bonnie Crombie, City of Mississauga: “The International Centre is an excellent location for Mississauga residents to get vaccinated quickly and safely because of its size and access to public transit. Once vaccine supply increases, Mississauga is ready to contribute to Peel Region’s goal of vaccinating over 75 per cent of its residents. We all look forward to the day where COVID-19 is behind us, and we’re happy to partner with The International Centre to help us get there.”
Michael Rice, CEO of Rice Group: “Supporting the community has always been a part of our culture, and we are happy to have the Region of Peel at our facility to help protect the community. The International Centre is a part of the fabric of this neighbourhood and we are proud to help with the vaccination roll out.”
Deborah Flint, President and CEO, GTAA: “The fastest path to recovery—both for the health of Canadians and the economy—is to get people vaccinated. Our Healthy Airport program positions us to evolve our advancements in testing to now partner with Region of Peel, Rice Group and the International Centre to swiftly and effectively deliver vaccines and turn the corner on this devastating pandemic.”
Visit peelregion.ca for regular updates on priority groups and clinic locations and follow @regionofpeel on social media for news on COVID-19 and vaccine availability.
Media contacts
Trish Krale
Communication Specialist
Region of Peel
City of Mississauga, Mallory Cunnington, 905-615-3200 ext.5232
Greater Toronto Airports Authority, Media Office, 416-776-3709
About Peel Region
In 2024, Peel Region marks its 50th anniversary. Peel Region works with residents and partners to create a healthy, safe, and connected Community for Life for approximately 1.5 million people and over 200,000 businesses in Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon. Peel's services touch the lives of residents every day. For more information explore peelregion.ca and follow us on X @regionofpeel and Instagram @peelregion.ca.
On December 13, 2023, the Ontario government announced that Peel Region will not be dissolved, and that Bill 112 legislation will be updated to reflect service delivery in Peel. Services for residents and businesses will continue without interruption. For updates and more information, visit Peel's transition page.
