Edmontonians looking to spend some time outdoors this weekend have a chance to do so while discovering hidden gems and learning more about some of the city's oldest neighbourhoods.
Jane’s Walk – which brings people together on walking tours to learn the history of various neighbourhoods – kicked off in Edmonton Friday, with walks planned throughout the weekend.
“Jane’s Walk here is basically trying to encourage people to get out and explore their communities, to have conversations about how they’re built, the history, where they’re going, what’s interesting in them, all those kinds of things,” explained Edmonton Jane’s Walk organizer Ian Hosler.
“It’s both a chance for people who know a little bit to share but also a chance for other people to come and engage in the conversation.”
The walks are held yearly worldwide and are named after Jane Jacobs, a famous author and urbanist.
Friday’s walk was held in downtown Edmonton and was led by former city councillor Michael Phair, who led Edmontonians on a walking tour while discussing how politics have shaped the city’s downtown.
It was the first of 18 different walks running until Monday night – covering a wide range of topics.
“We have walks that are looking at art, we have walks that look at a little bit of history, a little bit of what’s going on in the community, just a really wide variety and geographic locations all around,” Hosler said.
Weekend walks include a look at the old Rossdale Power Plant, secret spots on the University of Alberta campus, the streetcar suburb of Highlands and more.
Click here for a full list of walks, times and locations.
Jane’s Walk first began in Toronto in 2007.
Edmonton walks have been ongoing since that time as well, but Hosler says the city only got involved last year.
“Last year we started trying to organize it from the city end just trying to support more walks and a wider diversity of walks,” he said, adding that the event has been growing each year.
“We’re really thrilled this year. Last year we had about eight walks, this year we have about 18, so the growth has been really great and more people are getting interested in it. I think it’s a great way for people to get to know their neighbourhoods.”
