Ontario Daycare Safety Grants: What Child Care Centres Need to Know About Free Bollard & Barrier Installation
In late 2025, Ontario took a major step toward improving child care safety by announcing a new province-wide funding program to help licensed child care centres install vehicle-impact protection barriers. The initiative was launched in response to a tragic incident in Richmond Hill and reflects a growing recognition that bollards and protective barriers are no longer optional for daycares — they’re essential.
If you operate a licensed child care centre in Ontario, this guide breaks down what the grant covers, who qualifies, how the process works, and how to prepare now — with a focus on bollards and physical vehicle-mitigation solutions, not temporary fixes.
What Is Ontario’s New Child Care Barrier Grant?
Ontario has introduced the Liam Riazati Memorial Fund to Protect Children, a $20-million provincial program designed to fund vehicle-impact safety barriers at licensed child care centres at no cost to the operator.
The program focuses on preventing vehicles from accidentally entering:
Playgrounds
Front entrances
Walkways
Window-adjacent activity areas
While the initial rollout emphasizes quick deployment, the province has confirmed that this fund is part of a broader move toward permanent, legislated safety requirements for child care facilities.
Who Is Eligible for the Daycare Barrier Grant?
Eligible Child Care Centres
You may qualify if your facility is:
A licensed, community-based child care centre in Ontario
Not yet protected by installed barriers or bollards
Operating under provincial child care regulations
Who Is Currently Excluded
At this time:
Centres that already paid out-of-pocket to install bollards or barriers are not reimbursed
Certain school-based or special-program facilities may receive clarification later
Ontario has acknowledged these limitations and indicated future funding expansions may be considered, but the current focus is on centres with unmet safety risks
When Applications Open & What the Process Looks Like
Applications are expected to open in early 2026, with final details released by the Ontario Ministry of Education.
You can expect:
A streamlined application process
Pre-approved installation standards
Communication through regional licensing authorities
Official updates will be published on the Ontario Ministry of Education website: https://www.ontario.ca/page/ministry-education
What the Grant Covers (And What It Doesn’t)
Covered Under the Fund
Supply and installation of approved safety barriers
Work completed by authorized vendors
Protection for high-risk vehicle exposure zones
Common installation areas include:
Parking lot perimeters beside playgrounds
Front doors and windows
Drive-through or drop-off zones
Important Limitations
The fund prioritizes speed and coverage, not customization
Many solutions are considered interim protections
Permanent bollards may become mandatory later through legislation
This is why many centres are already planning long-term bollard installations beyond the minimum grant scope.
Bollards vs Temporary Barriers: What Centres Should Understand
Temporary concrete barriers can reduce immediate risk, but they are not a substitute for engineered bollard systems.
Professionally installed bollards:
Are embedded into concrete footings
Absorb and stop vehicle impact
Meet future-proof safety standards
Improve compliance with upcoming regulations
At Bollard Boys, we specialize in permanent, code-ready bollard installations for child care centres across Ontario — designed to protect children, staff, and operators long-term.
Learn more about daycare bollard installations:
https://bollardboys.com/daycare-bollards
What Child Care Operators Should Do Right Now
Even before applications open, preparation matters.
1. Identify High-Risk Zones
Walk your property and note:
Areas where vehicles pass near children
Unprotected playground edges
Glass storefronts or entrances
2. Confirm Licensing & CWELCC Status
Ensure your:
Child care licence is active
CWELCC enrollment (if applicable) is current
3. Speak With Your Licensing Officer
Your local CMSM or DSSAB can provide region-specific guidance and timelines.
4. Get a Bollard Assessment
A professional bollard assessment helps you:
Document safety risks
Plan compliant installations
Prepare for future inspections or mandates
Why Daycare Bollards Are Becoming Mandatory in Ontario
Ontario has confirmed it is actively reviewing:
Permanent safety legislation
Standardized barrier requirements
Technical installation specifications
This means bollards are not a “nice-to-have” anymore — they’re becoming a regulatory expectation.
Centres that act early will:
- Avoid rushed compliance
- Reduce liability exposure
- Demonstrate proactive safety leadership
How Bollard Boys Helps Daycares Navigate This Transition
Bollard Boys works exclusively in vehicle-impact protection, with experience installing bollards for:
Daycares
Schools
Municipal properties
Commercial facilities
We provide:
On-site safety assessments
Code-compliant bollard design
Professional concrete-embedded installation
Coordination with grant timelines and approvals
Book a daycare safety consultation: https://bollardboys.com/contact-us
Final Thoughts
Ontario’s daycare barrier grant is an important step — but it’s only the beginning. As regulations evolve, permanent bollard systems will become the standard, not the exception.
If you operate a child care centre, the smartest move is to prepare now, understand your risks, and plan for long-term protection, not just temporary compliance.
Contact Us
Get in touch with us
Interested in Partnering With Us?
Partner with Bollard Boys and gain access to exclusive pricing on high-quality bollards tailored for contractors.