The Ontario government is looking to implement new safety measures for child-care facilities following a tragic incident where an SUV crashed into a daycare north of Toronto, resulting in the death of a toddler and injuries to six other children.
Three staff members were also injured in the crash that occurred on Wednesday at First Roots Early Education Academy in Richmond Hill, Ont.
The young boy who lost his life was only 1 1/2 years old, according to police. The other children, aged between 18 months and three years, were taken to the hospital with various injuries. As of Thursday afternoon, police reported that two of them remained in critical condition.
Education Minister Paul Calandra announced that the government plans to require operators and municipalities to eliminate parking spaces directly next to entrances, windows, and exterior walls of classrooms or playgrounds at child-care facilities.
Calandra mentioned that accessible spaces and child-care facilities located in private homes would be exceptions to this rule.
He further stated that he has instructed his ministry to collaborate with service managers, inspectors, and service providers to pinpoint “vulnerabilities” that need addressing before upcoming legislative changes are made.
“Our government will make any necessary legislative or regulatory amendments to municipal or landlord restrictions that currently prevent the installation of protective barriers, such as bollards, planters, elevated curbs and other physical infrastructure, to protect children and workers in these settings,” Calandra said in a statement posted on social media.
A 70-year-old man has been charged with dangerous driving; however, police have indicated there’s no reason to suspect the collision was intentional. He was released on $25,000 bail with conditions including living with a surety, not operating any vehicle and not possessing keys for vehicles.
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