Ontario Daycare Bollard Grant Explained
In late 2025, Ontario announced a new safety initiative to protect children in licensed child care centres. Prompted by a tragic vehicle-related incident in Richmond Hill, the program underscores a key consensus: vehicle-impact protection at daycares is now critical infrastructure.
This guide explains Ontario’s new funding program for licensed child care operators. It covers what the program includes, who can apply, how it will be rolled out, and how centres can get ready. The main focus is on permanent solutions like bollards.
What Is Ontario’s Daycare Vehicle-Impact Protection Fund?
Ontario has started the Liam Riazati Memorial Fund to Protect Children, a $20 million province-wide program that helps licensed child care centres install vehicle-impact protection barriers at no direct cost to operators.
The fund is designed to prevent accidental vehicle intrusion into high-risk areas such as:
- Outdoor play spaces
- Main building entrances
- Pedestrian walkways
- Window-adjacent activity rooms
The first phase will begin soon, and the province says this is a step toward making permanent safety laws for Ontario child care centres.
Who Qualifies for the Ontario Daycare Barrier Grant?
Eligible Child Care Centres
Your centre may qualify if it is:
- A licensed, community-based child care centre in Ontario
- Currently, without installed vehicle-impact barriers or bollards
- Operating under provincial child care regulations
Current Exclusions to Be Aware Of
At this time:
- Centres that previously paid for bollards or barriers are not eligible for reimbursement.
- Some school-based or specialized facilities may require further clarification.
The province is aware of these limits and may offer more funding phases in the future.
Right now, centres with vehicle-impact risks that have not been addressed will be given priority.
Application Timeline & What to Expect
Applications are expected to open in early 2026. The Ontario Ministry of Education will provide detailed guidelines.
Based on early announcements, operators can expect:
- A simplified application process
- Standardized, pre-approved installation criteria
- Regional licensing bodies will handle communication about the program.
The Ministry’s website will have official updates: Click Here
What the Grant Covers and Its Limitations
Included Under the Program
The fund is expected to cover:
- Supply and installation of approved safety barriers
- Work completed by authorized or approved vendors
- Protection in areas with documented vehicle-exposure risk
Typical installation zones include:
- Playground edges adjacent to parking areas
- Front entrances and large window spans
- Drop-off lanes or drive-through access points
Important Considerations
- The program focuses on quick action and broad coverage, rather than customizing for each site.
- Many of the solutions funded by the program may be considered temporary protections.
- The province has indicated that permanent bollards could become required by future laws.
Many child care centres are already planning to install permanent bollards, even beyond what the grant requires.
Bollards vs. Temporary Barriers: What Operators Should Know
Temporary barriers can lower risk for now, but only engineered bollard systems provide complete protection.
Professionally installed bollards:
- They are embedded in reinforced concrete footings.
- They are engineered to absorb and stop vehicle impact.
- Align with anticipated long-term safety regulations.
- Provide durable, future-proof protection.
Bollard Boys installs permanent, code-compliant bollards for Ontario’s licensed child care centres to protect children, staff, and operators over the long term.
What Child Care Operators Should Do Now
Begin preparing now, even before applications open. Taking action early can make a big difference.
1. Identify Vehicle-Exposure Risks
Conduct a walkthrough and document:
- Areas where vehicles pass close to children
- Unprotected playground perimeters
- Glass-fronted entrances or windows
2. Verify Licensing & CWELCC Status
Confirm that:
- Your child care licence is active.
- CWELCC enrollment (if applicable) is up to date
3. Speak With Your Licensing Authority
Your local CMSM (Consolidated Municipal Service Manager) or DSSAB (District Social Services Administration Board) can give you guidance, timelines, and expectations specific to your region.
4. Schedule a Bollard Safety Assessment
A professional assessment can help you:
- Clearly document safety risks
- Plan compliant, long-term installations
- Get ready for future inspections or changes in regulations.
Why Bollards Are Becoming a Regulatory Expectation in Ontario
Ontario has publicly confirmed it is reviewing:
- Permanent vehicle-impact safety legislation
- Standardized barrier requirements for child care facilities
- Technical specifications for approved installations
Because of these changes, bollards are quickly shifting from being recommended to being required.
Centres that act early benefit by:
- Avoiding rushed compliance
- Reducing liability exposure
- Showing parents and regulators that you are taking the lead on safety
How Bollard Boys Supports Ontario Daycares
Bollard Boys focuses exclusively on vehicle-impact protection, with experience installing bollards for:
- Child care centres
- Schools
- Municipal sites
- Commercial properties
Our services include:
- On-site safety evaluations
- Code-compliant bollard design
- Concrete-embedded professional installation
- Coordination with grant timelines and approvals
Final Takeaway
Ontario’s new daycare barrier funding program is just the beginning. As safety standards rise, permanent bollard systems will become the norm.
Operators should start preparing now, understand their specific risks, and invest in long-term protection instead of short-term fixes.