Strange(r) People is a monthly series where we photograph and interview regular Torontonians going about their daily lives. This month, we hit the streets to talk to people about the city’s street etiquette (or lack thereof).
Name: Haley (pictured above) Lives: Queen West.
What’s your street etiquette pet peeve?
When people walk right through groups while crossing the street.
What street etiquette infraction are you most guilty of?
I might pass too closely—probably due to my depth perception.
What neighbourhood or street do you think is the worst for walking? Which one is the best?
The worst is Yonge & Dundas and the Eaton Centre area.
The best are side streets, or any street where there are not a lot of people.
Some people say that people from Toronto walk faster or more aggressively than normal. Do you agree?
No, everyone walks slow as hell; it seems the bigger the group the slower they are.
How do you feel about people stopping you on the streets?
I like it! I like random things happening on the streets.
Name: Gerrard Lives: St. Patrick St.
What’s your street etiquette pet peeve?
I don’t like it when people are rude and don’t have basic manners to hold doors and stuff.
What street etiquette infraction are you most guilty of?
I sometimes ignore people on the sidewalks. I can’t help everyone, but I wish I could.
What neighbourhood or street do you think is the worst for walking? Conversely, which one is the best?
The worst are the areas around Dundas, east of Yonge.
The best are St. Patrick and McCaul, as well as a lot of areas around Queen and Spadina.
Some people say that people from Toronto walk faster or more aggressively than normal. Do you agree?
I don’t agree. You do what you have to do, and sometimes people are simply late.
How do you feel about people stopping you on the street?
I don’t have a problem with it. I don’t mind as long as I can help.
Name: Joan Lives: Downtown core
What’s your ‘street etiquette’ pet peeve?
People spitting on the street.
What street etiquette infraction are you most guilty of?
Definitely not spitting! Probably being distracted and stopping.
What neighborhood/street do you think is the worst for walking? And best?
The worst is King and John, near the restaurant area. It’s not the best for walking, but I like it otherwise.
The best is Elm Grove in Parkdale.
Some people say that people from Toronto walk faster or aggressively than normal. Do you agree?
Yeah, I do. Everyone seems to be in a hurry; it could be that everyone in Toronto is used to the city and they’re not busy staring up at the CN Tower.
How do you feel about people stopping you on the street?
Depends where I’m off to and how busy I am.
Name: John Lives: Bellwoods area
What’s your street etiquette pet peeve?
I hate it when people stop in the middle of the sidewalk for whatever reason and don’t step to the side.
What street etiquette infraction are you most guilty of?
Probably passing on the left. Maybe it’s because I’m left handed.
What neighbourhood or street do you think is the worst for walking? Conversely, which one is the best?
The worst is Queen street if you’re not power walking.
The best is any side street.
Some people say that people from Toronto walk faster or more aggressively than normal. Do you agree?
I Don’t necessarily agree; everyone seems to take their time.
How do you feel about people stopping you on the streets?
I’ll acknowledge them, but usually make up an excuse to keep walking.
Name: Josh Lives: Little Italy
What’s your street etiquette pet peeve?
Just people not having manners towards each other.
What street etiquette infraction are you most guilty of?
I’m probably guilty of littering.
What neighbourhood or street do you think is the worst for walking? Conversely, which one is the best?
The worst is Yonge Street.
Grace Street is sick!
Some people say people from Toronto walk faster/ore aggressively than normal. Do you agree? Why do you think this is?
I agree, for sure. It’s just the pace of the city, everyone is go go go.
How do you feel about people stopping you on the streets?
Usually I just keep going but it depends on what they want. If I gave everyone money I’d be sitting right beside them.
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Dylan Leeder is Toronto Standard’s photos editor. Follow him on Twitter.
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