Yurbanism

Over the course of this weekend—May 3rd, 4th and 5th—citizens in urban areas around the world—including Vancouver—will lead over 600 walking tours in their own communities to highlight personal accounts of how public space is actually used. The experience is both a celebration and a critique, an opportunity to speak openly and share ideas with neighbours.

Jane’s Walk Vancouver Details

Date: Friday, May 3rd, Saturday May 4th & Sunday May 5th, 2013
Place: Throughout metro Vancouver, including Vancouver and  New Westminster.
Price: FREE, no registration required.
For more details, please visit: janeswalk.net

Jane’s Walk honours the legacy and ideas of urban activist and writer Jane Jacobs who championed the interests of local residents at a time when scale models and grand visions of the future removed designers from the experience of the city by foot. Jane’s Walk often takes Jacobs’ ideas to communities unfamiliar with her writing, in order to advance local engagement with contemporary urban planning practices. The walks help knit people together into strong and resourceful communities, instilling belonging and encouraging civic leadership.

With a growing number of Vancouver neighbourhoods participating in this year’s walks—20 and counting—it is beyond doubt that people care about their own communities and want to be involved as stewards of their transformation. Imagine over 500 Vancouver artists, foodies, writers, activists, history buffs and people from all walks of life, taking to the streets to engage in frank discussion about everything from vibrant urban gardens markets to urban archaeology, from transportation issues to gentrification of our neighbourhoods.

Everyone can attend a Jane’s Walk (no reservations required) and all tours are free of charge.

 If you would like to learn more please contact Yuri Artibise (yuri@janeswalk.net | 604-992-4197)

More information is accessible at www.janeswalk.net  or http://janeswalk.net/index.php/walks/canada/vancou/

Tips for the Walk Day!

1. Wear sensible shoes – something cushy and supportive. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice fashion. After all, Nancy Sinatra recommends boots made for walking.
2. Dress for the weather – all walks go rain or shine. It’s easy to stay warm and dry if you layer up and bring an umbrella if it looks like rain. Plan your Jane’s Walk itinerary ahead of time.
3. Confirm the dates and times your tours are offered.
4. Ask questions and offer insights. Jane’s Walk works best when the tour has a friendly, conversational feel. Introduce yourself to fellow walkers, volunteers and guides. Be curious.
5. Consider attending walks in neighbourhoods you already know and even live or work in, to deepen your appreciation and networks in the area.
6. Cultivate your curiosity – venture farther afield and find out what is wonderful about neighbourhoods you’ve only heard about in the media or didn’t even know existed. Be adventurous.
7. Take lots of pictures, savour the sites and sounds. Stop in at a café, pub or restaurant and linger. Develop your own impression of an area and share it with others.
8. Get in close – in order to hear the tour guides stand close to the speakers. Remember to leave enough room on the sidewalk for people to pass by and make sure to cross at the corners.
9. Share your thoughts and feedback with us on our website, on Twitter and onFacebook and consider supporting this work with a tax-deductible charitable donation.
10. Thank the hosts and volunteers for giving their time to this thrilling insider’s guide to your local community!