THUNDER BAY – This coming weekend, Thunder Bay residents will take to the streets to participate in Thunder Bay’s 8th Annual Jane’s Walk Festival. Local volunteers will be leading eight free neighbourhood walks that will inspire citizens to get to know their city and each other. Walks are held across the world during this weekend in celebration of Jane Jacobs’s birthday (May 4).
“Jane’s Walk is about building strong neighbourhoods, connecting with neighbors and exploring a more holistic approach to neighborhood safety and inclusion," said Lee-Ann Chevrette, Coordinator of Thunder Bay’s Crime Prevention Council. “Jane Jacobs embraced the notion that the safest urban neighbourhoods are those with an active, diverse street life. Her approach to urban planning, which puts people first, makes Jane’s Walk a natural fit for the goals of Thunder Bay’s Crime Prevention Council. Evidence shows that being seen in your neighbourhood and knowing your neighbours are major determinants of community safety.”
“NWOSA is pleased to support the annual Jane’s Walk – Thunder Bay again this year. It is gratifying to witness citizen-led walkabouts that encourage observation and reaction to our built environment, and preserve the good and re-imagine the bad,” said Brad Green, Chair of the Northwestern Ontario Society of Architects.
Jane’s Walk cultivates a broad understanding of how cities organically develop and thrive. It works to advance walkable neighbourhoods and promote Jacobs’ simple-yet-revolutionary idea that inclusive, mixed-use neighborhoods are the key to a healthy, safe and inclusive city.
Thunder Bay Walks:
1. McVicar Creek Meander: Friday, May 4 at 11:30 AM at the 55+Centre parking lot, 700 River Street.
2. Marina Park & Waterfront Cultural Heritage Walk: Friday, May 4 at 6 PM at the Spirit Garden, Marina Park.
3. South Core Neighbourhood Walk-About: Saturday, May 5 at 10 AM at City Hall.
4. A Walkable Block: Saturday, May 5 11 AM at Pope John Paul II School (205 S. Franklin St.).
5. Celebrate the Simpson/Ogden Neighbourhood with Evergreen Walking Club: Saturday, May 5 at 1 PM at the Evergreen House, 139 Heron Street.
6. River Walk: Sunday, May 6 at 10 AM at Centennial Botanical Conservatory, 1601 Dease Street W.
7. Port Arthur Ramble: Sunday, May 6 at 11 AM at the Sunken Gardens Hillcrest Park
8. Waverley Park - Top of the Hill Walk: Sunday, May 6 at 1:30 PM at Waverley Park Fountain
