Ontario government proposes changes, driver charged after daycare crash

By Canadian Press on September 11, 2025.

The Ontario government is proposing measures aimed at boosting safety at child-care facilities after an SUV crashed into a daycare north of Toronto, killing a toddler and injuring six other children.

Three staff members were also hurt in the crash on Wednesday at First Roots Early Education Academy in Richmond Hill, Ont.

Education Minister Paul Calandra says the government is proposing that operators and municipalities must prevent the use of parking spaces immediately adjacent to entryways, windows and exterior walls of classrooms or playgrounds at child-care facilities.

Calandra says accessible spaces and child-care facilities operating out of private homes would be exceptions.

He says he has directed his ministry to work with service managers, inspectors and service providers to identify “vulnerabilities” to be addressed ahead of upcoming legislative changes.

A 70-year-old man has been charged with dangerous driving, though police have said there is no reason to believe the collision was deliberate.