73-yr-old spends $550 building stairs for seniors that city says will cost 65K then city tears it down
The community in west Toronto was overjoyed to learn about the upcoming community garden in Tom Riley Park, a beloved spot for everyone, especially the elderly. However, the lack of stairs to access the garden posed a significant challenge, particularly for older residents, leading to accidents and safety concerns.
When Adi Astl, a local senior, raised the issue with the city council and was met with high cost estimates for building stairs, he took matters into his own hands. Using his skills as a former mechanic, he built a set of stairs for just $550 and 14 hours of work, bringing relief and happiness to the neighborhood.
Despite the initial success, the city deemed Adi’s stairs non-compliant and had them removed, causing disappointment among residents. However, Mayor John Tory personally acknowledged Adi’s efforts and worked to find a more affordable and city-approved solution, eventually costing around $10,000.
The mayor’s actions and Adi’s perseverance turned the situation around, leading to the installation of safe and affordable stairs, fulfilling the community’s need and ensuring a positive outcome. Adi was celebrated as a local hero for his determination and contribution to community safety.
