“Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody.”- Jane Jacobs

On May 1^st to 3^rd you can participate in a free Jane’s Walk in the area you live, work or play and discuss what matters to you!

Jane’s Walk helps knit people into strong and resourceful communities.

The festival is inspired by urbanist and author Jane Jacobs who believed in walkable neighbourhoods, urban literacy, and cities planned by and for the people.

Although she was never formally trained as a planner, she wrote one of the most influential books on city planning, The Death and Life of Great American Cities.

Metro Vancouver cities aren’t the only ones participating. There are over 100 cities worldwide hosting their own walks!

Check out a Burnaby Jane’s Walk from last year!

Guess what? YOU can lead a tour, too! Don’t be nervous, you don’t have to be an expert.

Use these simple steps to lead a Jane’s Walk:

1. Decide what you want to talk about

2. Plan out a route by going for a walk

3. Enter your walk on janeswalk.org

4. Get the word out to friends, neighbours and anyone you might want to attend your walk!

Orientation Sessions

Thursday March 19th
5:30-6:30
Translink – 400 – 287 Nelson’s Court, New Westminster

Monday March 23
5:30-6:30
Mt Pleasant Library   – #1 Kingsway

Thursday April 16th
5:30-6:30
Mt Pleasant Library – #1 Kingsway

Take a look at some ideas to get you brainstorming:

• History – Past & Present
• Health and Happiness
• Architecture
• Stroller Walks for Parents and Tots
• Public Space
• Family Walks
• First Nations Heritage
• Accessibility and Walkability
• Redevelopment & Urbanization
• LGBTQ community
• Live Music Venues
• Nature in the City
• Public Art and Theatre
• Urban Gardens
• Sports, Recreation & Health
• Community Development
• Being a Newcomer in a Community
• Transportation
• A Local Literary Tour

So source your stories and talk to your neighbours and local residents. You can even ask them to be a stop on your walk!

You can also head to your trusty local library to absorb a wealth of knowledge about the area and theme you’re interested in.

Walks should be about 1.5 hours with anywhere from 6 to 10 stops along the way.  When planning your walk route, keep accessibility in mind. Such as transit, public washrooms and parking.

Don’t forget to promote your walks on social media using some of these hashtags: #janeswalk #janeswalkmetrovancouver #TravelSmart

Get more information at travelsmart.ca and janeswalk.org.

Author: Adrienne Coling