New regulations on parking in Ontario have caused uncertainty and challenges for parents accessing daycare facilities following a tragic incident where an SUV crashed into a daycare, resulting in one fatality and nine injuries.
The incident occurred when an SUV crashed into a child-care center in Richmond Hill, claiming the life of a 1½-year-old boy and injuring six children and three adults. The driver, a man in his seventies, was apprehended and charged.
Education Minister Paul Calandra issued a directive to all licensed daycare providers, instructing them to block off parking spaces near daycare entryways, playgrounds, windows, and classroom walls until additional safety measures are put in place.
The directive has led to confusion at some daycare centers regarding which parking spaces should be closed. For instance, a daycare in Wingham, a community in Huron County, temporarily shut down its parking lot, causing inconvenience for parents like Dani McKague, who has a husband with cerebral palsy and transports their children to the facility daily.
Upon raising concerns with the daycare, Dani was informed that it was a ministry directive, but after contacting her Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) and engaging in discussions with the center’s operators, more parking spots were made available.
Daycare operators were advised to use temporary measures like pylons and signage to block off spaces while they work on permanent solutions. The responsibility for funding permanent barricades remains unclear.
London Bridge, a daycare operator with locations in London, Sarnia, and neighboring areas, has already implemented temporary barricades and is collaborating with municipalities and landlords to address the parking limitations.
Angela Woodburn, the executive director of London Bridge, emphasized the importance of making informed decisions that prioritize the well-being of everyone in the child-care environment. She expressed hope that the ministry would provide clearer guidelines for long-term compliance.
While acknowledging the good intentions behind the new rules, Dani McKague highlighted the oversight of considering individuals with disabilities and stressed that the regulations are adding stress for parents. She suggested a more tailored approach to address safety concerns at each center, rather than a uniform policy.
Despite the challenges, stakeholders like Angela Woodburn and Dani McKague are advocating for a balance between safety measures and accessibility for parents, especially those with unique needs.