"we will have to pay for them — though higher taxes. Europeans are willing to pay. So am I. Are you?"

Me, not so much, too much waste of dollars to entrust those in the various gov'ts with more resources.

See the park case 8 step staircase in a Toronto Park this week.  Rather useable at $600, city estimated $60,000 to $100,00 for similar project, re thought process and to be delivered by City Services and staff for $10,000.  Actual building deck contractors estimated the prjoect around $5,000 or less.....