Window and Balcony Safety Reminder Following Recent Child Falls

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, June 4, 2026          4:07 p.m.

(Ottawa) —The Ottawa Police Service is issuing an important safety reminder following a tragic incident yesterday in the west end of Ottawa, where a young child fell from a fourth-floor balcony. They are in hospital in critical condition.

Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this heartbreaking incident.

As warmer weather arrives and more families open windows and balcony doors, residents are encouraged to take extra precautions to help reduce the risk of similar incidents. Over the past month, Ottawa Police has responded to three incidents involving young children falling from high-rise buildings. These events are devastating and highlight how quickly and unexpectedly falls can occur.

Families, caregivers, and anyone who spends time around young children can help by having age-appropriate conversations about the dangers posed by windows, screens, railings, and balconies. These areas should not be treated as play spaces, and leaning, climbing, or pushing against screens or railings can be extremely dangerous.

It is also important that anyone caring for children in the home is aware of window and balcony safety measures, including any household rules or restrictions that are in place.

Take simple but effective steps to reduce the risk of falls:

• Install and use childproof window locks or window guards where appropriate.
• Do not rely on window screens to prevent falls, as they are designed to keep insects out — not to prevent a child from falling.
• Keep furniture, beds, and other climbable items away from windows and balcony railings.
• Limit children’s access to balconies unless they are directly supervised by a responsible adult.
• Regularly check that windows, doors, locks, and safety devices are functioning properly.

Additional Safety Information

Window safety measures are required under the Ontario Building Code to help reduce the risk of child falls. Window openings must be restricted to a maximum of 10 cm, or 4 inches. Federal regulations addressing blind cords are also in place to reduce the risk of child strangulation.

Key safety considerations include:

• Opening limitations: Windows should be equipped with locks, guards, or limiters that prevent openings greater than 10 cm.
• Rental properties: In rental units, residents are encouraged to contact their landlord or property manager if required safety devices are missing, damaged, or not functioning properly.
• Fire safety considerations: While restrictor devices are important, quick-release models are strongly recommended where appropriate so windows can still be used as emergency exits if needed.

We know parents and caregivers work hard to keep children safe, and that young children are naturally curious and quick to find spaces adults may not expect. Our goal is to support families with practical safety information that may help prevent another tragedy.

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