Enhancing Child Care Safety: The Liam Riazati Memorial Fund

The Government of Ontario has introduced the Liam Riazati Memorial Fund. This $20 million provincial initiative aims to enhance safety at licensed child care centres and early learning facilities.

This program supports the installation of protective safety barriers and physical site improvements. These upgrades reduce the risk of vehicle-related incidents and improve exterior safety around child care properties. As child care operators prepare their applications, understanding the grant process and qualifying upgrades is essential.

What Is the Liam Riazati Memorial Fund?

The Liam Riazati Memorial Fund provides financial assistance to child care centres across Ontario. It focuses on safety-focused infrastructure improvements. The goal is to strengthen protective measures at facilities where children gather daily. This includes upgrades that reduce risk exposure near parking areas, drive lanes, entrances, and window lines.

Funding is distributed through provincial and municipal channels. Eligibility requirements are outlined by the Ministry of Education and participating municipalities.

Who Is Eligible?

The fund is generally intended for:

• Licensed child care centres

• Early learning facilities

• Montessori schools

• CWELCC enrolled operators

• Private and public child care providers operating in Ontario

  
  

Operators should confirm specific eligibility criteria with their local municipality or provincial representatives.

What Safety Upgrades May Qualify?

While final program details may vary by region, qualifying safety improvements commonly include:

• Installation of steel safety bollards near parking areas

• Reinforced concrete barriers

• Protective guard systems in front of windows and entrances

• Exterior site modifications to improve pedestrian separation

• Impact-resistant safety infrastructure

  
  

All installations must comply with the Ontario Building Code and applicable municipal regulations.

Understanding the Grant Process

Before applying, operators should:

1. Conduct a site review to assess potential safety risks.

2. Determine what type of protective infrastructure is required.

3. Obtain professional installation quotes.

4. Review municipal permit requirements (if applicable).

5. Prepare documentation outlining scope, materials, and compliance.

   
   

Working with a contractor experienced in commercial safety upgrades can help streamline this process. It ensures the scope aligns with funding criteria.

How JD Building Group Supports Child Care Centres

JD Building Group provides professional safety infrastructure upgrades for commercial and institutional properties across the Greater Toronto Area, including:

• Mississauga

• Oakville

• Burlington

• Hamilton

• Toronto

  
  

Our team assists child care operators with:

• On-site safety assessments

• Layout planning and barrier placement recommendations

• Permit coordination when required

• Concrete cutting and reinforced installations

• Supply and installation of compliant bollards and safety systems

• Coordination with engineers if structural review is required

• Documentation support for grant submissions

  
  

We understand that child care facilities must maintain daily operations. Our crews work efficiently and professionally to minimize disruption.

Why Choose JD Building Group?

Choosing the right contractor is crucial. Here’s why JD Building Group stands out:

• Fully insured and WSIB compliant

• Experienced in commercial construction and safety retrofits

• Knowledgeable in GTA municipal requirements

• Clean, organized, and safety-focused crews

• Clear timelines and transparent communication

  
  

Our focus is long-term safety, structural integrity, and full compliance—not temporary solutions.

Next Steps for Child Care Operators

If your centre is exploring upgrades under the Liam Riazati Memorial Fund, early planning is recommended. Proper design, compliant installation, and accurate documentation are key components of a successful application.

JD Building Group is available to review your site and discuss suitable safety upgrades tailored to your facility. We’re here to help you navigate this process smoothly.

Contact JD Building Group

If you operate a child care or early learning facility in Ontario and want to discuss safety improvements, contact our team for a consultation.

📞 647-404-2761

📧 joe@jdbuildinggroup.com

Serving Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, and the Greater Toronto Area.