Ontario government modifying parking rules at childcare facilities following fatal Richmond Hill crash

Members of the community leave flowers and toys in front of a damaged window the day after an SUV crashed into a daycare in Richmond Hill, Ont., on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Eduardo Lima

The Ontario government is modifying parking rules at childcare facilities after an SUV crashed into a Richmond Hill daycare on Wednesday afternoon, killing a toddler and injuring six other children.

Education Minister Paul Calandra said in a statement on Thursday that childcare operators and municipalities are to prevent the use of parking spaces that are immediately adjacent to entryways, windows and exterior walls of classrooms or playgrounds at their facilities, with the exception of accessible spaces.

He added that it would not apply to those operating out of private homes.

Calandra said the change is in response to what happened at First Roots Early Education Academy located in the area of Yonge Street and Nottingham Drive, just south of 19th Avenue.

Police said an SUV that was in the parking lot of the daycare, for unknown reasons, drove through the front of the window.

A one-and-a-half-year-old boy died in hospital, while six other children and three staff members were taken to hospital with varying injuries. In an update on Thursday, police said two children remain in critical condition.

Calandra is also ordering his staff to work with service managers, inspectors and service providers “to identify any vulnerabilities and take immediate actions in advance of upcoming legislative changes.”

“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,” the minister said.

Investigators have since charged a 70-year-old man with dangerous operation causing death and two counts of dangerous operation causing bodily harm.

Police previously said they do not believe the crash was a deliberate act.