The Ford government has announced plans to adjust the regulations surrounding parking areas near child care centres, following a tragic event where a vehicle crashed into one in Richmond Hill, Ont., on Wednesday, resulting in the death of a toddler and injuries to several others.
Education Minister Paul Calandra stated in a release on Thursday afternoon that he aims to prevent parking directly in front of or beside child care centres and playgrounds “to ensure the safety of children and staff.”
He mentioned that he would implement any necessary legislative or regulatory changes to enforce this new parking moratorium for all child care centres and playgrounds, while still allowing accessible spaces.
“I have directed my ministry to collaborate with service managers, inspectors, and service providers to identify any vulnerabilities and take immediate actions ahead of forthcoming legislative changes,” he wrote in his statement.
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Additionally, he indicated that he would review existing rules that may prevent child care centres from installing bollards or raised curbs at their entrances.
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For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. This announcement follows the heartbreaking incident involving a one-and-a-half-year-old boy who lost his life inside a Richmond Hill child care centre on Wednesday afternoon. Around 3 p. m., police reported that a vehicle which had been parked outside the building drove through its front window, hitting several children and staff members. One child died while another suffered serious injuries. More on Politics More videos A total of seven children aged between one-and-a-half and three were struck by the vehicle. Three staff members also sustained injuries. The other victims are reported to be in non-life-threatening condition, according to police. The authorities charged a 70-year-old man with dangerous operation causing death as well as two counts of dangerous operation causing bodily harm. “Information right now has led us to determine this was not a deliberate act,” Const. Kevin Nebrija said on Wednesday. “The vehicle was in the parking lot at the time and, for reasons unknown, drove through the front of the window. We can appreciate that this is a very alarming call for parents to receive.” A Hyundai electric vehicle was extracted from through the shattered daycare window and loaded onto a tow truck later that evening. It showed minimal visible damage apart from a dangling license plate and broken glass on its hood. Story continues below The following morning, workers boarded up the large window with plywood along with other pieces of lumber. Beneath it sat an assortment of stuffed animals facing toward the parking lot. Community members had also left flowers, a mini basketball, and candles as tributes. A sign reading “please slow down” remained affixed to the wall next door to where the crash occurred. – with files from ’s Gabby Rodrigues and The Canadian Press & copy 2025 , a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.Source link
