The weekend of May 4th, 5th and 6th is the official international festival of Jane’s Walks. “An annual festival of free, citizen-led walking conversations inspired by Jane Jacobs”, notes the organization’s official website. The weather has finally warmed up, so get outside, start exploring and meet old and new friends on one or more of 100+ Jane’s Walks happening in Toronto this weekend.
Give Me Liberty or Just Give Me Liberty
On Sunday, May 6th at 11am, Jazz FM host Jaymz Bee will be leading the walk titled “Give Me Liberty or Just Give Me Liberty”. The walk departs from 171 Liberty St E, in front of Local. The walk is described as, “A neighbourhood that is constantly evolving. It has a rich and sometimes scandalous history and for the past decade has changed so much, locals call Liberty East ‘Inception’. Every time you enjoy a coffee, a new building goes up”.
Who is Jane Jacobs?
Jane Jacobs was an American-Canadian urban activist who was an influential shaper of prominent metropolitan spaces including Washington Square in New York City and St. Lawrence Market in Toronto. She organized grassroots efforts to protect neighbourhoods from “slum clearance” as written on Wikipedia.
A Canadian duo, writer Susan Hughes and illustrator Valerie Boivin released a picture book giving a simple autobiography on Jane Jacobs titled, “Walking in the City with Jane”. It was published in early 2018 by Kids Can Press.
Other Jane’s Walks in Toronto
The amazing part of the Jane’s Walk weekend is that it allows us to explore different parts of our city. Some other walks that may be of interest include:
- May 5th @ 1PM – Chinatown is Here
- May 5th @ 1:30PM – Landscape Archaeology of Garrison Creek
- May 5th @ 2PM – Made in Canada – Behind the Scenes Tour
- May 5th @ 4PM – Uncovering the Tales and Treasures of Ossington
- May 5th @ 7PM – Ghost Walk – Exhibition Place
- May 6th @10AM – Kindness and Joy in the Financial District
- May 6th @2PM – The World in Ten Blocks Walking Tour of Bloorcourt
Be sure to share photos and conversations from your adventures in the comments below.
