Over the course of one weekend– this year on May 3rd, 4th and 5th– citizens in urban areas around the world—including Vancouver—will lead over 600 walking tours in their own communities to highlight personal accounts of how public space is actually used. The experience is both a celebration and a critique, an opportunity to speak openly and share ideas with neighbours.
Jane’s Walk honours the legacy and ideas of urban activist and writer Jane Jacobs who championed the interests of local residents at a time when scale models and grand visions of the future removed designers from the experience of the city by foot. Jane’s Walk often takes Jacobs’ ideas to communities unfamiliar with her writing, in order to advance local engagement with contemporary urban planning practices. The walks help knit people together into strong and resourceful communities, instilling belonging and encouraging civic leadership.
With a growing number of Vancouver neighbourhoods participating in this year’s walks—19 and counting—it is beyond doubt that people care about their own communities and want to be involved as stewards of their transformation. Imagine over 500 Vancouver artists, foodies, writers, activists, history buffs and people from all walks of life, taking to the streets to engage in frank discussion about everything from vibrant urban gardens markets to urban archaeology, from transportation issues to gentrification of our neighbourhoods.
Everyone can attend a Jane’s Walk and all tours are free of charge.
More information is accessible at www.janeswalk.net and http://janeswalk.net/index.php/walks/canada/vancou/
Image: Jane’s Walk
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