The family of the toddler who lost his life after a car crashed into a Richmond Hill daycare last week held a public memorial service on Sunday morning, where they also called for accountability regarding the accident and better safety measures at Ontario childcare facilities.
The service for Liam Riazati took place in Richmond Hill starting at 10 a. m., according to a news release from a family spokesperson.
“Liam’s life was cut short, but his story must bring change,” said a family spokesperson in the news release about the event.
In their statement, the family remembers their only child and grandchild for his laughter, curiosity, and being “the heart” of their family. They mentioned that he loved balloons, balls, flowers, and teddy bears.
“Liam was a bright, joyful and loving child who brought light and happiness into the lives of everyone who knew him.”
The family is also urging for an open investigation into Liam’s death, stronger safety regulations at childcare centers, and public awareness to ensure “other families are not forced to endure the same heartbreak.”
“No parent should ever have to wonder if ‘drop-off’ is safe. No child should ever feel the fear that some children felt that day,” the family’s statement said.
“His loss has left an emptiness that can never be filled, but his memory will forever remain our greatest treasure.”
WATCH | Parents are calling for the installation of barriers outside daycares:
Support grows for barriers to protect daycares. But who will foot the bill?
Parents are advocating for barriers outside daycares following a tragic car crash into a Richmond Hill daycare on Wednesday. A man in his 70s has been charged in connection with this incident and has since been granted bail.
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Richmond Hill residents dropped off flowers and stuffed animals at a crash scene after one child died and six others injured when a vehicle drove into a daycare. (Meagan Fitzpatrick/CBC)
Liam’s aunt Mina Riazati stated that daycares should be among the safest places for children; however, she feels that being situated in a commercial plaza near parking lots isn’t ideal for protecting them.
She urged officials to “stop talking” and implement or enforce laws aimed at safeguarding children especially in daycare settings.
“We didn’t think for even one second that we’d be gathered for his funeral,” said Mina after the memorial service. “I don’t know if he is the first one [to die in crash like this], but he will be the last one.”
The only thing that might give peace to this grieving family is change within current systems or possibly new legislation introduced in memory of Liam to advocate such changes moving forward, she stated.
Hooshang Lotfi, a friend of Liam’s father suggested officials should reconsider age requirements for drivers along with safety regulations around childcare facilities.
“I don’t know if there will be any remediation for this pain,” said Lotfi.WATCH | Individual arrested; charges laid in daycare crash:<img src="https://ontariochronicle. ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/1774129968_630_default. jpg" alt="" class="thumbnail" loading="lazy"/Charges laid after car crash killed 1 child; injured 6 others at Ontario daycareSaid York Regional Police have charged an individual responsible for crashing into a Richmond Hill daycare Wednesday resulting in one child’s death while injuring several others. The driver faces two charges: dangerous operation causing death and dangerous operation causing bodily harm.
A man in his 70s has been charged with one count of dangerous operation causing death and two counts of dangerous operation causing bodily harm following the incident at First Roots Early Education Academy on Wednesday.</pf
Seven children along with three adults were taken to hospital with injuries from Wednesday’s event. Sadly Liam was pronounced dead upon arrival at hospital according to police reports.<pf
On Thursday night via social media post Education Minister Paul Calandra announced plans suggesting operators together with municipalities must prevent parking spaces immediately adjacent to entryways or windows as well as exterior walls belonging classrooms or playgrounds within childcare facilities.<pf
This would exempt private home-based childcare services from these rules.<pf
Caldwell added he’s directed ministry personnel work alongside service managers inspectors as well providers identify vulnerabilities then take immediate action prior upcoming legislative changes.
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Support grows for barriers to protect daycares. But who will foot the bill?
Parents are advocating for barriers outside daycares following a tragic car crash into a Richmond Hill daycare on Wednesday. A man in his 70s has been charged in connection with this incident and has since been granted bail.
Officials need to act and ‘stop talking’: aunt
Liam’s parents say their lives changed completely when he was born, as expressed in a letter written by his mother Behnoosh Nori that was translated from Persian and read during the memorial. While she’ll cherish those moments forever, she shared that they’ve felt “like walking dead” since the accident. “Life doesn’t go on without you, Liam. In the mornings, no matter how long I wait, you don’t call out to me,” Nori said. “I would have given anything to hold you one more time.”<brSource link
