Jane’s Walk takes to streets and sidewalks of Windsor and Essex County
An annual festival celebrating walkable communities and neighbourhoods hits the streets this weekend and next at a time when the conversation about walkability and public safety are top of mind for many.
Jane Jacobs was a writer and activist whose main message was that cities are something for everybody, created by everybody.
And that’s what Jane’s walk is all about.
“They are walking tours and community events that all celebrate the idea of getting into the streets, knowing your neighbours, knowing your neighborhood and really experiencing the city and the region in a way that's a little bit different than the normal way,” said Sarah Morris, the event organizer.
Jane’s Walk has been taking place in Windsor since 2009 but is also a global phenomenon, with events taking place in more than 500 cities.
This year’s local event is spread over the next two weekends, this weekend in Essex County and next weekend in Windsor and Tecumseh.
“We have walks that are focused on history, the environment, architecture, art, so every time you're getting a different lens on a different place,” said Morris.
From Amherstburg to Kingsville and Sandwich Towne to downtown, one of the key principles of the event is getting out and walking the hood.
The Jane’s Walk Festival features guided walking tours. All walks take place, rain or shine and the online guide gives some insight into what each walk is about, how flat or hilly the walk is and some information about who is guiding the tour.
It’s also part of the city’s recent downtown revitalization plan: making people feel safe under one of Jacob’s key principles: the more people, the more eyeballs, the more crime deterrence.
“Having more people equals safety. Having that is part of what makes a healthy community,” said Morris.
The first Jane’s Walk events kick off Friday from noon to 1:00 p.m. in Leamington.
A complete schedule is available here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Asking rent prices up 9.3% across Canada, Ontario sees only decline: report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say
Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.