Jane's Walk 2008
On May 3 and 4, 2008, Think City celebrated the legacy of urban activist and writer Jane Jacobs with a series of free walking tours called Jane's Walks, given in neighbourhoods throughout Vancouver.
"Jane's Walk brought together citizens, activists and such Vancouver notables as Gordon Price, Annabel Vaughan, John Atkin, Wendy Pederson and Ned Jacobs to lead tours through their neighbourhoods," said Think City Jane's Walk Vancouver coordinator Kim Fleming. "Each guide highlighted the people, places, and public spaces that make that make each Vancouver community unique."
"Jane's Walk raises urban literacy and builds strong, connected communities by offering a pedestrian-focused event that combines insights into civic history, planning, design and citizen engagement with the simple act of walking and observing," said Fleming. "Our aim with Jane's Walk is to inspire and engage citizens to have a say in the health of their communities and to get involved in the development and planning that is taking place there."
"In 2007, Jane's Walk was launched in Toronto. This year, in addition to Vancouver, Jane's Walk has been expanded to six other Canadian cities including Winnipeg, Ottawa, Halifax, Calgary, Charlottetown and Guelph," said Fleming. "Jane's Walk is an exceptional opportunity for Vancouverites to discover their city - the places they think they know well and would like to know better and the places they have always wanted to explore."
"Anyone can apply to be a tour guide, pick any area and be creative," said Fleming. "Jane's Walks can range from an educational lecture to experiential fun - it all depends on the host."
Think City had 27 walking tours scheduled in many Vancouver neighbourhoods including the West End, Strathcona, the Downtown Eastside, False Creek, Kensington-Cedar Cottage, Hastings Sunrise and Little Mountain.
