Jane’s Walk in Manotick takes place Sat., May 6

For the fourth consecutive year, Manotick Culture, Parks and Recreation Association (MCPRA) has coordinated a Jane’s Walk in Manotick.

Jane’s Walk is a festival of free neighbourhood walking tours that began in Ottawa in 2008 in memory of Jane Jacobs, (1916-2006), “urbanist and activist whose writings championed a fresh, community-based approach to understanding, organizing, designing, and building cities.”

Jane’s Walk is an annual festival of free, communityled neighbourhood walking tours and conversations that began in Ottawa in 2008.

The walks are inspired by the late urbanist, activist, and journalist Jane Jacobs. Jane’s Walk festivals take place in hundreds of cities around the world on the first weekend of May. Jane’s Walks encourage people to share stories about their neighbourhoods, discover unseen aspects of their communities, and use walking as a way to connect with their neighbours.

The recent passing of Caroline Andrew has made us take stock of her life’s work, exploring and promoting inclusivity, community life, urban politics, and the role of neighbourhoods. Prof. An- drew’s close ties with Jane’s Walk over the years suggests a theme for the walks this year: building bridges across divides. You’ll see this theme is present across many of the walks being offered this year.

Jane’s Walk 2023 theme is ‘Building Bridges’ and the walks are being held on Saturday, May 6 and Sunday, May 7 across the Ottawa-Gatineau area.

It’s the fourth year MCPRA has put together a Village walk. This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, May 6, 10 a.m. and will include the following route and guest speakers. [The times are ap-

proximate.]

10:00 - Manotick Public Library, Anne Robinson

10:10 - A. Y. Jackson Park, Irene Staron

10:20 - Millview Passive House, Fanjoy

10:35 - Remembrance Park, Grace Thrasher

10:45 - Dickinson Square, Elaine Eagan

11:00 - Back to the library via the ‘secret’ path

Jane’s Walk is a pedestrianfocused event that improves urban literacy by offering insights into local history, planning, design, and civic engagement through the simple act of walking and observing.

Also, the first-ever Jane’s Walk Festival Preview event will kick off the 2023 festival. Participants will learn about some of this year’s most exciting walks, meet other community members who are participating in the festival, ask organizers all of your questions — and bring your own picnic dinner to enjoy under an iconic bridge in Ottawa. There will be music, discussion, games, and fun activities for all ages. Children are welcome. Bring yourself, a blanket, and a picnic dinner. Get out in the fresh spring air, learn more about Jane’s Walk, and get ready for the weekend’s festival!

Volunteers are an important part of making Jane’s Walk happen. Sign up to support a walking tour leader as a marshal.

Pre-registration is required for walks during the 2023 festival and capacity will be capped. Visit janeswalkottawa.ca for the 2022 festival schedule and to sign up as a participant for specific walking tours.

To get updates on the festival, sign up for our NEW email newsletter and follow Jane’s Walk Ottawa-Gatineau on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@JanesWalkOttawa).