Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jane's Walk?

Jane’s Walk is an annual festival of free, community-led walking conversations inspired by Jane Jacobs. Jane’s Walks encourage people to share stories about their neighbourhoods, discover unseen aspects of their communities, & use walking as a way to connect with their neighbours.

Who is Jane Jacobs?

Known for grassroots efforts to protect neighbourhoods, Jane Jacobs (1916-2006) was an urbanist and activist who championed responsible planning & community-empowered approaches to city-building & placemaking. Jane's Walk events are timed to coincide with her birthday in May.

What kind of Jane's Walks are there?

Jane’s Walks are often walking tours, but they can also be bike rides, poetry readings, performance art, games, & more!

Some of our favourite topics include:

• Heritage, history, & architecture

• Diaspora communities & immigration

• Housing affordability & economic displacement

• Transportation & mobility

• Food, food access, & food security

• Public art & performance

• Public space

• Accessibility

• Inclusion

• Health & wellbeing

• Social justice

• Politics & policy

• Youth advocacy

• Community development

• Neighbourhood quirks & characters

• Anything!

Where do Jane's Walks take place?

Jane's Walk started in Toronto to include diverse voices & ideas into discussions about cities, neighbourhoods & communities. There are over 500 Jane's Walk Chapters across the world. Some are closer to home, in Kingston, Waterloo, & even Newmarket. As of 2023, we're in King, too!

Why a Jane's Walk Chapter in King Township?

While many Jane's Walks are held in cities, rural communities have a lot to say about our main streets, our local buildings, parks, & the broader environment. If you've ever discussed local stories & issues in King Township with friends or family, why not bring your ideas to your neighbours through a Jane's Walk?

Who can host a Jane's Walk?

Anyone can lead a Jane's Walk because everyone is an expert on the places they live, work, learn & play in. Thinking about leading a Jane's Walk? Become a walk leader!

Does Jane's Walk King approve the walks that are submitted?

Jane’s Walk supports the principle of self-organization and civic engagement. The walks submitted are not curated, however, they are supported through planning & promotion, especially as we are just starting as a Chapter!

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Please note that the inclusion of any walk does not imply an endorsement from Jane’s Walk King of any specific perspectives or proposals.  Jane’s Walk King does reserve the right to withdraw a walk if the subject, location or leader poses any harm or danger to participants, makes use of hate speech, or defames or excludes specific individuals or groups.

Is photography allowed?

We encourage all walk leaders and participants to take photos and videos while respecting everyones boundaries. We would love to see your photos and video shared with us on social media using the hashtag #janeswalkking!

What if there is bad weather on the day of my walk?

Jane’s Walk occur rain or shine. People show up in all weather conditions, and this is part of the fun of Jane’s Walks!

How is Jane's walk run?

By volunteers! Jane's Walk King is a community-run, independent Chapter of Jane's Walk, led by local residents (i.e. your neighbours!). In our second year of running Jane's Walk King, we are growing a small but mighty group to assist with planning & promotion, as well as encouraging members of the King Township area to volunteer to lead walks during the global festival.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with Jane's Walk King, contact Katie Konstantopoulos, Jane's Walk Chapter Lead, at janeswalk.king@gmail.com.

Can I partner with Jane's Walk King?

Yes! Jane's Walk King is happy to partner with local businesses and organizations that are passionate about storytelling & community-building in our many neighbourhoods. For example, we partnered with King Township Councillor Mary Asselstine for our inaugural walk in 2023!

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Disclaimer: Local financial support of Jane’s Walks is permitted, but no fees, charges or any promotion of commercial activities can be connected to the content or activities of any given walk. Jane's Walk King is not affiliated with the Corporation of King Township.