Child in critical condition after falling from balcony in Stittsville

After two children fell from high-rises in one week, Ottawa police are urging caution around apartment windows and balconies. CTV’s Tyler Fleming reports.

The Ottawa Police Service says a child is in critical condition after falling from an apartment building balcony in Stittsville on Wednesday.

Ottawa paramedics say they attended the call on a residential street near Abbott Street at approximately 5:20 p.m. The child was transported to the hospital in life-threatening condition.

According to a news release from police, the child fell from the fourth floor of the building.

“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this heartbreaking incident,” police wrote.

“We are learning more about a serious incident that happened Wednesday in Stittsville at the Blackstone Village apartments,” Stittsville Coun. Glen Gower said in a post on Facebook.

“My thoughts are with the family and the young child during this very difficult time. I know our community will come together to support them in any way we can.”

Safety reminder

On April 27, a child died after falling from the window of a high-rise building in Sandy Hill.

Police issued a public safety reminder following Wednesday’s incident, saying this is the third time officers responded to a child falling from a building in a matter of weeks.

“Families, caregivers, and anyone who spends time around young children can help by having age-appropriate conversations about the dangers posed by windows, screens, railings, and balconies,” police said.

“These areas should not be treated as play spaces, and leaning, climbing, or pushing against screens or railings can be extremely dangerous.”

Police recommend taking the following steps to reduce the risk of falls:

• Install and use childproof window locks or window guards where appropriate.
• Do not rely on window screens to prevent falls, as they are designed to keep insects out — not to prevent a child from falling.
• Keep furniture, beds, and other climbable items away from windows and balcony railings.
• Limit children’s access to balconies unless they are directly supervised by a responsible adult.
• Regularly check that windows, doors, locks, and safety devices are functioning properly.

Police also say windows should not be able to open wider than 10 centimetres.

“We know parents and caregivers work hard to keep children safe, and that young children are naturally curious and quick to find spaces adults may not expect. Our goal is to support families with practical safety information that may help prevent another tragedy,” police said.

With files from CTV’s Ted Raymond.

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