New parking regulations in Ontario, implemented after a tragic crash at a daycare, are causing confusion and raising accessibility concerns for parents. The rules were introduced following an incident last week in Richmond Hill, where an SUV struck a child-care center, resulting in the death of a 1½-year-old boy and injuries to six children and three adults. The driver, a man in his seventies, has been arrested and charged in connection with the crash.

In response to the incident, Ontario Education Minister Paul Calandra directed all licensed daycare providers to remove parking spaces adjacent to daycare entryways, playgrounds, windows, and exterior walls of classrooms. This directive is intended to enhance safety until further measures can be established.

However, the new parking rules have led to confusion at various daycare centers regarding which spaces should be blocked off. For instance, a daycare in Wingham, located in Huron County, closed its entire parking lot this week. Dani McKague, a mother of two, expressed her frustration, noting that her husband, who has cerebral palsy, drives their children to the facility each morning. "You had to park across the street, walk the children across and take them through the parking lot into the center, which was an issue," she said.

After raising her concerns with the daycare, McKague was informed that the changes were mandated by the ministry, leaving the center with limited options. Following discussions with her member of provincial parliament (MPP) and the daycare operators, more parking spots were eventually reopened.

Calandra's instructions also included temporary measures for daycare operators to block off spaces using pylons, signage, or other barriers while they work on more permanent solutions. The letter to daycare providers emphasized the need to communicate with landlords about implementing safety measures for children.

The question of who will bear the costs for permanent barricades remains unclear. Angela Woodburn, executive director of London Bridge Child Care Services, which operates 15 daycares in London and Sarnia, reported that parking has been significantly restricted at some locations due to the new rules. She noted that neighboring businesses have been supportive in providing additional parking options. "We're working closely with municipalities and landlords just to assess each situation carefully," Woodburn stated. "Our focus remains on making thoughtful, informed decisions that support the well-being of everyone in our child-care environment."

Woodburn expressed hope that the ministry would clarify the long-term requirements soon. Meanwhile, McKague believes the new regulations, while well-intentioned, do not adequately consider the needs of individuals with disabilities. She argued that the ministry should have tailored safety measures to the specific circumstances of each daycare rather than applying a blanket policy. "It's just hard if you have two little kids and have to carry one … little kids are excited when the day is over, and there are just 1,000 things that can happen and you don't want to take them into a busier and more crowded area of cars," she said.