Lockdown at Ridgeway daycare lasts nearly two hours

At about 2:50 p.m. on April 7, staff at Top of the Ridge Daycare in Ridgeway initiated a hold-and-secure that kept children inside classrooms until an all-clear at 4:30 p.m., following what police described as a private family matter resolved without incident.

The centre kept all children and staff inside classrooms while programming continued as scheduled, according to a notice sent to families by supervisor Brittany Meloche. Emergency services attended and the situation ended safely later that afternoon.

Niagara Regional Police confirmed officers responded to the call but released no further details about the circumstances.

“We were called to assist with a private family matter which was resolved peacefully,” Constable Jessica Martin told Fort Erie Radio. “We won’t be releasing any information on this.”

The daycare lifted the hold-and-secure at about 4:30 p.m. after receiving direction that it was safe to resume normal operations.

A separate message to families later that day stated that all exterior doors would remain locked indefinitely, with staff assisting entry as needed, as the centre reviews its safety practices.

Meloche informed parents the measures taken on Tuesday aligned with existing policies designed to protect children during situations outside the facility. The centre declined to share further details due to confidentiality.

“Top of the Ridge Daycare wants to reassure all families that we prioritize the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of all children and staff, and will continue to do so,” Meloche wrote in a statement to families.

The daycare indicated it is reviewing additional options to maintain security and expects to provide updates to families as decisions are made.

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