Jane

Jan'e Walk is a movement of free, citizen-led walking tours inspired by Jane Jacobs. The walks get people to tell stories about their communities, explore their cities, and connect with neighbours.

I heard about them three or four years ago from the local organizer, Calgary Foundation. I thought Jane Jacobs was a community organizer from somewhere in Canada. She was likely a tireless community builder who was very dedicated to people connecting with others and learning about their neighbourhood. I found out tonight that she was all of this and so much more. 

 Tonight I had the privilege of seeing a screening of Citizen Jane: Battle for the City as part of Baconfest Calgary.  Jane was at the forefront and a chief strategist for modern, people-based city planning.  She was a critical part of ensuring the Manhattan we know today exists. 

Cities were (and sometimes still are) planned to fit buildings and cars into them and then people are expected to live around this. This has created unsafe streets, encouraged sitting and less socializing with our neighbours. Jane was a constant advocate that our urban infrastructure should be designed around the natural way people moved, lived and connected. 

For the last number of years I've been promoting for someone to do a Jane's Walk in the community where I work. I keep coming up with ideas and throwing them out and hoping that someone will say I'm interested in doing that or I'll help you.

I've decided it's finally the year to stop waiting for someone else. That I'm going to lead a Jane's Walk (or maybe two). If Jane could stop a highway from being built and change the face of city planning as we know it, surely I can lead a little walk in her name. Look out on May 5-7 for stories from my walk and to find other awesome walks near you. 

What I'd been doing with the walk in previous years is a great example of playing small and hiding in the shadows. I was waiting for someone else to validate my idea to do a walk. Jane didn't wait for someone else. She stepped up when she knew it was her turn and it's time that I do the same.