The Ford government has announced plans to adjust the regulations surrounding parking near child care centres following a tragic incident in Richmond Hill, Ont., on Wednesday that resulted in the death of a toddler and injuries to several others.
Education Minister Paul Calandra stated in a press 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 he would pursue any necessary legislative or regulatory changes to enforce this parking ban at all child care centres and playgrounds, although accessible spaces will still be allowed.
“I have ordered my ministry to collaborate with service managers, inspectors, and service providers to identify any vulnerabilities and take immediate actions ahead of upcoming legislative changes,” he wrote in his statement.
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Additionally, he indicated he would look into any existing rules that hinder child care centres from installing bollards or raised curbs in front of their facilities.
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Get daily Canada news delivered to your inbox so you’ll never miss the day’s top stories. This announcement follows the heartbreaking death of a one-and-a-half-year-old boy at a child care centre in Richmond Hill on Wednesday afternoon. Around 3 p. m., police reported that a vehicle parked outside the building drove through its front window, hitting several children and staff members. One child died while another sustained serious injuries. A total of seven children aged between one-and-a-half and three were struck by the vehicle. Three staff members also suffered injuries. According to police, the remaining victims are not facing life-threatening conditions. 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 pulled from inside the daycare after crashing through the broken window and loaded onto a tow truck on Wednesday evening. It appeared mostly undamaged aside from a dangling licence plate and shattered glass on its hood. Story continues below The following morning, workers boarded up the large window using plywood and other materials. Beneath it sat an assortment of stuffed animals facing towards the parking lot. Community members had also placed bouquets of flowers, a mini basketball, and a candle nearby. A sign reading “please slow down” remained affixed to the wall next 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
