10 easy ways to be a good Toronto resident

Living in a big city can pose some challenges when it comes to etiquette. With so many people crammed into relatively limited space, it's particularly important that everyone tacitly agree to certain common sense rules about how to behave for the greater good of the city. Alas, too often these rules are forgotten and city life is dragged down by a few rotten apples.

For a primer on how to avoid this fate, here are 10 easy ways to be a good Toronto resident.

1. Walk left, stand right. You may no longer find the signs on the TTC, but this is basic escalator etiquette that respects the fact some people are in a rush while others happy to cruise to their destinations.

2. While we're on the subject of the TTC, please make sure to take off your backpack, only take up one seat, and never rush the doors to entre a train before everyone has gotten off.

3. Support your local brewery. Toronto's craft beer scene might seem like an unstoppable industry at times, but it's tough to compete with the big conglomerates. Buying from local breweries is the best way to ensure that we continue to see interesting beer made here.

4. The good Toronto resident will also support the city's music and arts scenes by going to concerts, comedy shows, and buying the work of local artists if it's feasible. You'd be amazed how inexpensive it can be to do so.

5. Be nice, clear your ice. One of Toronto's best-ever ad campaigns is as true today as it has ever been. Oh, and remember, it's okay to dance at live shows! Let's ditch our wallflower reputation.

6. On the subject of sidewalks, let's remember never to ride our bikes on these. This is only acceptable behaviour if you're under 10 years old.

7. Don't be a stranger to city hall. Voting in every municipal election is an obvious requirement to be a good Toronto citizen, but you can also weigh in on an array of municipal issues that shape our city between elections.

8. Get to know more than just your neighbourhood. Toronto's diversity is often touted as its greatest strength, but the only way to experience this is by exploring areas of the city that might be unfamiliar. How else is it possible to truly know the city.

9. Take an old fashioned taxi once in a while. Uber has changed the way that we travel across the city, but if we don't use our old fashioned taxicabs, they're bound to disappear.

10. Use your green bin. This can pose a challenge for some apartment and condo residents, but for those who live in residences with street-side garbage pick-up, there's no excuse for not sorting your garbage.

What did I miss? Add your suggestions for how to be a good Toronto resident in the comments.

Photo by A Great Capture in the blogTO Flickr pool.

by Derek Flack via blogTO