Retiree Adi Astl just wanted some stairs down a well-trod embankment in his local park. The city told him it would cost between $65,000 and $150,000, so he and a homeless guy built a nice set of stairs for about $550. Astl was then informed he violated municipal code section 608, and the stairs were ordered removed.
Via CTV News Toronto:
Astl had previously reached out to his councillor, Justin Di Ciano, to request that a small staircase be built down a steep embankment that residents used as a shortcut to access a community garden and a nearby soccer field.
Di Ciano in turn reached out to staff with the parks and recreation department and was informed that such a job would carry a price tag of $65,000 and $150,000and was not something that the city’s budget would allow for at this time.
That’s when Astl took matters into his own hands, purchasing a load of lumber for the job and enlisting the help of a homeless man who had offered to help in exchange for breakfast and some cash.
Speaking with CP24 on Friday, Astl said that he is pleased his do it yourself project has had the impact it has, even if the stairs he built are no longer.
The city of Etobicoke is going to rebuild them with a price tag of $10,000, much to the delight of Mr. Astl, who has since been thanked by city officials for taking a stand.
• City steps up with new stairs after taking down set built by senior (CTV News Toronto)