New Parking Regulations in Ontario Cause Confusion for Parents

New parking regulations in Ontario, implemented after an SUV crashed into a daycare and resulted in one death and nine injuries, are creating confusion and making it harder for some parents to reach the facilities.

Last week, an SUV collided with a child-care center in Richmond Hill, tragically killing a 1½-year-old boy and injuring six children along with three adults. The driver, a man in his seventies, was taken into custody and charged.

Ontario Education Minister Paul Calandra stated on Monday that all licensed daycare providers must immediately block off parking spaces near daycare entrances, playgrounds, windows, and classroom walls until further safety measures can be put into place.

The new directive has led to uncertainty at various daycare centers regarding which parking areas should be closed off.

In Wingham, a community located in southwestern Ontario, one daycare decided to shut down its entire parking lot this week. Dani Mc Kague, a mother of two who relies on her husband-who has cerebral palsy-to drive their kids each morning expressed her concerns.

“You had to park across the street, walk the children across and take them through the parking lot into the centre, which was an issue,” Dani said.

Dani Mc Kague’s husband has cerebral palsy. She says it was a challenge when her children’s daycare centre closed off the parking lot, forcing parents to park further away. (Submitted by Dani Mc Kague)

When she raised this issue with the daycare staff, she was informed that it was mandated by the ministry and they couldn’t do anything about it. After contacting her member of provincial parliament (MPP) and discussing matters further with the center’s operators, more spots were eventually reopened in their parking lot.

Daycares Collaborate with Municipalities and Landlords

Calandra instructed daycare operators to temporarily close off spaces using pylons or signs while they look for more permanent solutions.

“Where you do not control the parking spaces adjacent to your facility, you are to connect with your landlord immediately and discuss measures that can be put in place to better protect children at your centre,” read part of his letter directed at them.

It wasn’t clear right away who would cover the costs for permanent barricades.

Angela Woodburn, executive director of London Bridge Child Care Services, says parking at some of its locations has been severely limited due to the new Ontario rules. (Submitted by Angela Woodburn)

One operator called London Bridge operates 15 daycares throughout London, Sarnia and nearby areas; they have already set up temporary barriers.

According to executive director Angela Woodburn, some locations have seen significant restrictions on parking availability but neighboring businesses have been supportive so far by providing additional space for vehicles.

“We’re working closely with municipalities and landlords just to assess each situation carefully,” Woodburn mentioned. “Our focus remains on making thoughtful decisions that prioritize everyone’s well-being within our childcare environment.”

Woodburn hopes that the ministry will provide clearer guidelines moving forward. The reached out for clarification from the ministry but did not receive a response before publication time.

Meanwhile, Mc Kague feels that although these new rules aim for safety they overlook accessibility needs for people with disabilities and are adding stress for parents like her.

She believes that rather than imposing blanket policies the ministry should consider specific safety needs unique to each center instead.
“It’s just hard if you have two little kids and have to carry one … little kids are excited when the day is over; there are just 1,000 things that can happen and you don’t want them wandering into busier areas filled with cars.”


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