We need to cut all the red tape around building things

opinion

We need to cut all the red tape around building things

Budgets for projects such as the Eglinton Crosstown LRT tend to balloon, and most people don't understand why.

In 2017, Adi Astl, a 73-year-old retired mechanic, asked the City of Toronto about installing stairs at the entrance to a park near his west-end home. Getting to the park’s community garden involved descending a short but steep embankment, where people would regularly slip and fall. At least one person had broken a wrist.

But the city said that stairs were unaffordable, and beyond its budget. It estimated that building them would cost $65,000 to $150,000.

So, Mr. Astl decided to build, baby, build them himself.

He spent $550 on supplies and hired a homeless man to help. Fourteen hours later: Stairs.

Mr. Astl’s