Province makes $20 million available to improve safety at childcare centres

Concrete barriers could soon be placed around some childcare centres in the region.

The provincial government is unveiling a new fund for centres to access.

Starting in early 2026, community-based child care operators will be able to access funding through a $20 million fund.

Education Minister Paul Calandra says it is a short-term solution as they investigate other measures to improve safety.

“We will be consulting with experts to help update childcare centre guidelines and inform future policy,” says Calandra.

“This work will help identify best practices for indoor and outdoor play spaces, reduce risk and ensure that operators have clear standards to protect the children they care for every day.

Creation of the fund stems from an incident in the Toronto area in September, where a vehicle drove into a childcare centre, killing a 17-month-old and injuring six other children and three staff members inside.

The fund is named in honour of Liam Riaziti, the toddler killed in the incident.

“Liam’s parents may take some small comfort in knowing that his name will forever be remembered in our province,” says Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services.

“The Liam Riazati Memorial Fund will play a critical role in making Ontario’s child care centres safer and more secure across the province. Families deserve the peace of mind that comes from knowing that their children are safe in child care facilities, and I believe that this fund will make a positive and long-lasting difference.”

Details on how childcare operators can apply for the money are to be released in the new year.