May 3, 2017 - Members of the Crime Prevention Council and Strong Neighbourhoods Working Group announced the 7th Annual Jane's Walk Festival taking place this coming weekend, where Thunder Bay residents will take to the streets to participate in a variety of walks around city neighbourhoods.
 

Local volunteers will be leading nine, free neighbourhood walks that encourage 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 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 and its Strong Neighbourhoods Working Group."

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.

"Evidence shows that being seen in your neighbourhood and knowing your neighbours are major determinants of community safety," added Chevrette.

Thunder Bay Walks include:

  1. International Friendship Gardens with the "Urban Sketchers": Friday May 5, 11 am
    Meet at Scottish Monument on Legion Track. Drive to the right as you enter the Friendship Gardens off of Victoria Ave.
  2. Vicker's Park & Area: Friday May 5, 6 pm
    Meet at Entrance arch of Vicker's Park
  3. South Core Neighbourhood : Friday May 5, 6 pm
    Meet at City Hall, 500 Donald St. E
  4. Windsor/Picton/Blucher Neighbourhood: Saturday May 6 at 11 am
    Meet at Unit 16, 288 Blucher Ave.
  5. Celebrate Simpson/Ogden Neighbourhood with the Evergreen Walking Club: Saturday  May 6, 1pm
    Meet at Evergreen House, 139 Heron Street
  6. Current River Walk: Saturday May 6, 1 pm
    Meet at Northwest corner of Arundel and Hodder Ave., in front of Robin's Donuts
  7. Shift Walks: Saturday May 6, 1 pm
    Meet at New cross-over at Cornwall and Algoma
  8. River Walk: Sunday May 7, 10 am
    Meet at Centennial Botanical Conservatory, 1601 Dease St. W.
  9. Waverley Park: Sunday May 7, 1 pm
    Meet at Waverley Park Fountain

For more information about the walks, maps, and starting times visit: www.janeswalk.org/canada/thunder-bay.

Follow the Jane's Walk Festival on social media: @janeswalk, #jwalk, or on Facebook.

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Contact: Lee-Ann Chevrette, Coordinator Crime Prevention Council, 625-2554, lchevrette@thunderbay.ca