The Ford government has announced a $20 million fund for child care centres to set up concrete bollards and other safety barriers, aiming to prevent a tragedy similar to one that occurred earlier this year when a man drove into a daycare, resulting in the death of a toddler.
Education Minister Paul Calandra introduced the funding on Monday morning, naming it the Liam Riazati Memorial Fund in memory of the child who lost his life in September.
“The tragic accident at a child care centre in Richmond Hill was devastating for everyone involved,” Calandra stated.
“In Liam’s honour, we’re taking action to support child care providers and families with measures that enhance safety and offer more peace of mind for children.”
Starting early next year, child care operators can apply for funds to cover the delivery and installation of barriers from the province using this financial resource.
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Calandra mentioned that this initiative is meant for child care centres that haven’t yet implemented any safety measures and will not provide rebates for those who have already taken action.
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A total of seven children aged between one-and-a-half and three were struck by the vehicle. Three staff members also suffered injuries.
The police charged a 70-year-old man with dangerous driving causing death as well as two counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm. They clarified that “information right now has led us to determine this was not a deliberate act.”
A Hyundai electric vehicle was removed from the broken window of the daycare and placed onto a tow truck later that evening. The car had minimal visible damage aside from a hanging license plate and shattered glass on its hood.
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Calandra expressed that this incident highlighted possible risks faced by other childcare facilities.
“It’s always going to be a risk; we saw what happened; there have been other isolated incidents across different parts of the province,” he noted.
“As this incident showed us, taking extra precautions could potentially make a difference throughout Ontario.”
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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. He also hinted at new legislation next year to assist centres wanting to implement protective measures but facing restrictions from landlords or local authorities. This policy comes after the heartbreaking incident involving a one-and-a-half-year-old boy at a Richmond Hill daycare in early September. More on Toronto More videos Around 3 p. m. on Sept. 10, police reported that a vehicle parked outside drove through the front window, injuring several children and staff members. One child tragically died while another sustained serious injuries. Trending Now
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A total of seven children aged between one-and-a-half and three were struck by the vehicle. Three staff members also suffered injuries.
The police charged a 70-year-old man with dangerous driving causing death as well as two counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm. They clarified that “information right now has led us to determine this was not a deliberate act.”
A Hyundai electric vehicle was removed from the broken window of the daycare and placed onto a tow truck later that evening. The car had minimal visible damage aside from a hanging license plate and shattered glass on its hood.
Story continues below
Calandra expressed that this incident highlighted possible risks faced by other childcare facilities.
“It’s always going to be a risk; we saw what happened; there have been other isolated incidents across different parts of the province,” he noted.
“As this incident showed us, taking extra precautions could potentially make a difference throughout Ontario.”
© 2025 , a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
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