Jane's Walk

Urban guru Jane Jacobs was noted for remarking that the best way to get a feel for a neighbourhood and how it works was to get out there and walk around in it. The ever-growing numbers of "Jane's Walks" are offered in that spirit:

Jane's Walk is a series of free neighbourhood walking tours that helps put people in touch with their environment and with each other, by bridging social and geographic gaps and creating a space for cities to discover themselves.  Since it's inception in 2007, Jane's Walk has happened in twelve North American cities: Toronto, New York, Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Halifax, Guelph, Charlottetown, Thornbury, and Salt Lake City. More partner cities and towns are being added in 2009 including Montreal, Regina, Boston, Chicago and New Orleans.

Jane's Walk honours the legacy and ideas of urban activist and writer Jane Jacobs who championed the interests of local residents and pedestrians over a car-centered approach to planning. Jane's Walk helps knit people together into a strong and resourceful community, instilling belonging and encouraging civic leadership.

All Jane's Walk tours are given and taken for free. These walks are led by anyone who has an interest in the neighbourhoods where they live, work or hang out. They are not always about architecture and heritage, and offer a more personal take on the local culture, the social history and the planning issues faced by the residents. Jane Jacobs believed strongly that local residents understood best how their neighbourhood works, and what is needed to strengthen and improve them. Jane's Walks are meant to be fun, engaged and participatory - everyone's got a story and they're usually keen to share it

This year there are over 90 taking place in Toronto on May 2nd and 3rd. Lots of them look very interesting! Looking at the map, it seems that two of them are in Eglinton-Lawrence:

Jungle Jaunt: Lawrence Heights is Not What You Think

• Students of Sir Sanford Fleming Academy
• Saturday, May 2, 2009
• 2:00pm
• Walk: 1.5 hours

Students of Sir Sanford Fleming speak to the paths, patterns and people of the Lawrence Heights community named 'Jungle'.  From community gardens, townhouse courtyards, waterparks, malls, shortcuts and secret hangouts, the student guides will open your eyes to the warm welcoming people who call this neighbourhood home. Performers and contributors frrom the award-winninng play "Jungle Baby", featured in this years Sears Drama Festival, will be on hand to reprise some of their provocative and engaging material about growing up here.

Lawrence West: The Stories of Lotherton

• Lotheron Community Residents
• Saturday, May 2, 2009
• 12:00pm
• Walk: 1 hour

Defined by high rise towers and wipe open spaces, Lotherton is a unique neighbourhood filled with a diverse and engaged community. The stories here speak of adaptation, from the rabbits and gophers that have made a home in the neighbourhood to the senior citizens who have begun climbing over a fence - complete with groceries in tow - to save a few minutes off their shopping commute! Come hear these and many other stories in this dynamic and exciting neighbourhood!

If you're a good walker, it looks like you could those both in back-to-back!