New Provincial safety directive will impact local Child Care Centres with front-door parking

Parking spots directly in front of Kinderbrook Montessori and Learning Centre on Pinehurst Road have been blocked off with pylons, as the centre takes immediate steps to comply with new provincial safety measures aimed at protecting children and staff.

Paris Independent Staff

Staff Contribution

Parents in Paris may soon notice changes to parking at local childcare centres, as the Ontario Ministry of Education has ordered immediate safety measures following a recent tragedy at a Richmond Hill daycare. 

The directive, issued this week, requires all licensed childcare operators in Ontario to block off parking spots that pose safety risks to children and staff—particularly those adjacent to playgrounds, entrances, program rooms, or gathering areas. Accessible parking spaces are exempt, but all other high-risk spaces must be restricted from use effective immediately.

For Paris families, this means the convenient drop-off and pick-up spots many rely on may be temporarily closed. Until permanent infrastructure such as bollards, planters, or raised curbs can be installed, operators are encouraged to use pylons, signage, or even staff vehicles as makeshift barriers. Centres that do not control their parking areas are being advised to work with landlords to put safety measures in place.

Mary Musson, Commissioner of Community Services and Social Development, said these measures reflect the government’s top priority: protecting children. “Children’s safety is of highest priority. These new measures proposed by the Ministry of Education ensure that families can feel confident their childcare centres are doing everything possible to protect their loved ones. We are committed to ensuring our partners implement these changes effectively.”

The urgency stems from a devastating incident earlier this month in Richmond Hill, where a vehicle struck a daycare, killing 18-month-old Liam Riazati and injuring six children and three adults. A 70-year-old man has been charged with dangerous driving, though police do not believe the crash was deliberate.

Locally, the City of Brantford’s Children’s Services and Early Years Department says it will continue to support childcare operators across Brantford and the County of Brant as they implement the new safety requirements. The department also provides families with childcare referrals, subsidies, free drop-in programs, and supports for children with special needs.

This directive will undoubtedly require changes at several Paris childcare facilities. Families are encouraged to contact their licensed operators directly with questions about how parking and drop-off routines will be affected.