Soren Henrich

Jane's Walk

Jane's Walk is a series of free neighbourhood walking tours that help 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 its inception in 2007, Jane's Walk has happened in cities across North America and is growing internationally. 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-centred 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.