Ontario's education minister has issued new parking regulations for licensed daycare providers following a tragic incident in which a toddler was killed by an SUV at a daycare north of Toronto. In a memo, Paul Calandra emphasized the need to enhance safety for children and staff at these facilities.

Calandra's directive instructs daycares to block off parking spaces adjacent to entryways, playgrounds, windows, and classroom walls during operational hours. This measure is intended to remain in effect until further safety protocols are established. The memo recommends that daycare staff utilize temporary barriers, such as pylons, signage, and staff vehicles, to restrict access to these parking areas, with the exception of accessible parking.

The new rules come in response to a tragic accident last week in Richmond Hill, Ontario, where a 1.5-year-old boy lost his life, and six other children and three adults were injured. According to York Regional Police, one of the two critically injured children has since been discharged from the hospital.

In his communication, Calandra noted that daycare centers already equipped with vehicle barriers, as well as those located in private residences, may continue to use adjacent parking spaces. He advised daycare providers operating in leased properties to consult with their landlords regarding the implementation of safety measures.

"We expect all licensees to make every effort to implement these safety measures promptly," Calandra stated. He also urged providers to assess other potentially hazardous areas of their facilities, such as those near driveways or roundabouts, and to take appropriate safety precautions.

The government is actively working to identify vulnerabilities that may necessitate permanent solutions, including the installation of bollards, planters, or elevated curbs outside daycare facilities. Calandra acknowledged the potential challenges in implementing these new measures and encouraged daycares to report any difficulties they encounter.

"We are actively exploring all options to make it as easy as possible for licensees to install these barriers," he said. This includes considering legislative or regulatory changes to eliminate any municipal or landlord restrictions that currently hinder the installation of protective barriers.