diy stairs toronto

Workers just destroyed Toronto's famous new stairs

A set of DIY stairs in a Toronto park has led to quite the kerfuffle both here at home and abroad, especially since city staff have now taken the wooden steps down.

According to CTV News, retired mechanic Adi Astl built a set of stairs in an area of Etobicoke's Tom Riley Park after local visitors were having difficulty getting to a community garden.

City staff reportedly estimated the project would cost $65,000, so Astl stepped up to the plate and took matters into his own hands, literally. He built the stairs for $550.

Astl's stairs have made international headlines. Ward 5 Councillor Justin Di Ciano and Mayor John Tory, as well as countless individuals, praised his initiative.

"The original cost estimate for the City of Toronto to build stairs in Tom Riley Park was absolutely ridiculous and out of whack with reality," said the mayor in a statement that also thanked Astl.

"Work on the new steps starts today and will be done in a matter of days," the mayor continued.

Astl's work didn't, however, receive blanket praise. One Twitter user visited the park and noticed the stairs had many safety-related flaws, regardless of the good intentions behind them.

Luckily no one got hurt using the DIY stairs and it looks like Astl's project actually got the city to take action fast.

Lead photo by

@alisa_morrow


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in City

Doug Ford just got even tougher on Ontario bike lanes with new measures

Toronto's $27 billion Ontario Line just crossed its biggest construction milestone so far

Rare Canadian gold coin sells for over $1.5 million

Toronto ranked among the top 100 best cities in the world for 2025

A full list of all the items included in Canada's holiday GST cut

Liquid soap sold at stores across Canada recalled due to contamination

Canadians to get GST cut on groceries and new $250 rebate ahead of holidays

Snow is finally coming to southern Ontario and here's when it will hit