PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE ANNUAL ST. GEORGE ANTIQUE SHOW
Saturday, September 3 & Sunday, September 4, 2011
Where:
South Dumfries Community Centre (Arena)
Gaukel Drive
St. George, Ontario
N0E 1N0
Price:$5.00 admission
Saturday 10 am to 5 pm; Sunday 11 am to 5 pm.
The Show is back again this year, in the new and improved St. George arena. Selected quality dealers will present a range of antiques to browse and to buy. Also, delicious home-style meals and desserts. Free parking. $5.00 admission – the major fundraiser of the South Dumfries Historical Society.
Visit our downtown while you are in town for our new coffeehouses (the Brown Dog and the Rustic Mug), our upscale Italian restaurant (La Cantinella), our trusty English Pub (the St George Arms), a burger at Scotty’s, Pizza at Carmen’s or at New Orleans Pizza.
Saturday night (1st Saturday each month) there is a fish fry at the St. George Legion which is very popular. Or grab an Ice Cream cone next to the Rustic Mug or at Monk’s Chip Wagon next to the Bank of Montreal parking lot.
If you need to stock up on snacks and drinks for the road, visit our friends at St. George Foodland.
Visit the Museum Saturday afternoon while you are downtown, and browse our antique shops on the historic Main Street.
Consider a side trip to one of the Apple farms nearby or to Robert Hall Originals – an amazing store just west of the downtown for “rockhounds” and for unique pewter creations.
On Sunday afternoon, visit our friends at the Adelaide Hoodless Homestead from 2 – 4 pm – a National Historic Site honouring the birthplace of the founder of the Women’s Institute movement (among her many accomplishments).
This is also the weekend of the Paris Fair!
* ** * ** * **
CINDY ALEXANDER AND OFFSUIT – BACK FOR CANADA DAY FUN!
Cindy Alexander and Offsuit are back for St. George Canada Day. They will be rocking the mainstage between 11 am and 3 pm – and hosting young singers and contests along the way.
Five local singers, between the ages of 11 and 17 will be featured on the stage to give them an opportunity to sing before a large crowd. Some of these singers will be performing original songs.
Excitement is also building for the Air Guitar Contest – Cindy and the band will host this competition – just show up with your “air guitar” and we will have the performers demonstrate their skills in front of the stage – be prepared for lots of head-banging and wiggling tongues…. This will mostly be for the younger air guitarists, but will likely feature an adults-only round as well so that Dads (and Moms) can embarrass their children.
Cindy and the band will be performing a solid mix of classic rocks songs along the way. While Cindy is also an accomplished jazz singer – when she fronts Offsuit, the energy level and the volume get cranked up to 11!
Offsuit is a Kitchener based rock n’ roll band specializing in music that is recognizable to across generations. They play songs from legendary artists spanning four decades with which everyone is familiar, but avoid the songs that most cover bands have overdone.
From Guns n’ Roses, Stone Temple Pilots and Pink Floyd to The Monkees, The Beatles, The Eagles, even Huey Lewis and the News. The set is an eclectic blend of favourites suitable for all ages.
Cindy Alexander – Vocals
Steve Goodwin – Vocals, Guitar
Kevin Randall – Lead Guitar
Mike Koch – Bass
Barry Briere – Drums
Find out more about Offsuit at their website: http://offsuitmusic.com/
* * * * *
Five local singers, between the ages of 11 and 17 will be featured on the stage to give them an opportunity to sing before a large crowd. Some of these singers will be performing original songs.
Excitement is also building for the Air Guitar Contest – Cindy and the band will host this competition – just show up with your “air guitar” and we will have the performers demonstrate their skills in front of the stage – be prepared for lots of head-banging and wiggling tongues…. This will mostly be for the younger air guitarists, but will likely feature an adults-only round as well so that Dads (and Moms) can embarrass their children.
Cindy and the band will be performing a solid mix of classic rocks songs along the way. While Cindy is also an accomplished jazz singer – when she fronts Offsuit, the energy level and the volume get cranked up to 11!
Offsuit is a Kitchener based rock n’ roll band specializing in music that is recognizable to across generations. They play songs from legendary artists spanning four decades with which everyone is familiar, but avoid the songs that most cover bands have overdone.
From Guns n’ Roses, Stone Temple Pilots and Pink Floyd to The Monkees, The Beatles, The Eagles, even Huey Lewis and the News. The set is an eclectic blend of favourites suitable for all ages.
Cindy Alexander – Vocals
Steve Goodwin – Vocals, Guitar
Kevin Randall – Lead Guitar
Mike Koch – Bass
Barry Briere – Drums
Find out more about Offsuit at their website: http://offsuitmusic.com/
* * * * *
HOMETOWN ROOTS ON THE MAIN STAGE FROM 3 PM to 5 PM
Hometown Roots will be playing two exciting sets for our Canada Day festivities. Look for them on the Main Stage in front of Sunnyside starting at 3 pm. The band will also be on hand both before and after their set to meet with fans and sign autographs (and sell copies of their CD).
Examples of the band’s songs can be found at http://www.myspace.com/hometownrootsband
– including song clips and videos – as well as photographs.
Hometown Roots is a four member rock group from Rockwood, Ontario (near Guelph), who formed in late 2009.
Driven by emotional vocal harmonies and guitar solos, Hometown Roots succeeds in creating a unique musical style.
Despite their age, Hometown Roots have won multiple competitions throughout southern Ontario, recently their success in the Y108 Rock n’ Roll Challenge has earned them a spot to compete for $30, 000 in prizes.
Their energetic and charismatic presence, combined with deep musical talent, make their performances speak for themselves.
In the summer of 2010 the band was asked to play in Port Dover for the record- breaking Friday the 13th motorcycle rally as more than 200, 000 people filled the streets.
Using the money from these events and competitions, Hometown Roots recorded an 11 track original CD at Escarpment Sound Studio courtesy of Brian Hewson.
Take a listen, or better yet, make a point of witnessing one of their exciting live performances.
“I have booked HTR nearly a dozen times and their crowds are growing consistently larger and larger, while their performance is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. As someone who produces more than 80 concerts per year, I’d definitely recommend these young guys for any performance or showcase.” – Rob Rapiti, BLR Entertainment
Examples of the band’s songs can be found at http://www.myspace.com/hometownrootsband
– including song clips and videos – as well as photographs.
Hometown Roots is a four member rock group from Rockwood, Ontario (near Guelph), who formed in late 2009.
Driven by emotional vocal harmonies and guitar solos, Hometown Roots succeeds in creating a unique musical style.
Despite their age, Hometown Roots have won multiple competitions throughout southern Ontario, recently their success in the Y108 Rock n’ Roll Challenge has earned them a spot to compete for $30, 000 in prizes.
Their energetic and charismatic presence, combined with deep musical talent, make their performances speak for themselves.
In the summer of 2010 the band was asked to play in Port Dover for the record- breaking Friday the 13th motorcycle rally as more than 200, 000 people filled the streets.
Using the money from these events and competitions, Hometown Roots recorded an 11 track original CD at Escarpment Sound Studio courtesy of Brian Hewson.
Take a listen, or better yet, make a point of witnessing one of their exciting live performances.
“I have booked HTR nearly a dozen times and their crowds are growing consistently larger and larger, while their performance is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. As someone who produces more than 80 concerts per year, I’d definitely recommend these young guys for any performance or showcase.” – Rob Rapiti, BLR Entertainment
THE CAKE IS READY – THANK YOU CAKE BOSS!
Fiona from the St. George Foodland has made another wonderful Canada Day Cake – she is the “Cake Boss” of St. George. The Cake will be served after some hopefully brief speeches from our local politicians that start at 5 pm at the Cenotaph Corner (at the traffic lights at Main Street and Beverly Street West). Thanks to Trevor and the staff at St. George Foodland for providing the cake again this year (and by the way, the Foodland is open tomorrow until 5 pm for your last minute Canada Day needs).
CANADA DAY IN ST GEORGE 2011
FRIDAY July 1st , 2011
Come out and enjoy a great afternoon of fun to celebrate Canada’s birthday…
AFTERNOON EVENTS ON THE MAIN STREET:
Main Street will be closed between Beverly Street and High Street.
Main Street Contests and Games for children and adults, Sidewalk Chalk Art, Hula Hoops and more – Prizes to be awarded! Check the door of the Museum or the website for details close to July 1st)
Music from 11 am to 5 pm
Great pop/rock favourites with
CINDY ALEXANDER and OFFSUIT
and rising stars:
HOMETOWN ROOTS (back from a tour in Alberta)
Also Special Guest singers and Air Guitar contest!
Bring your lawnchairs to enjoy the music.
ALSO: Museum Open House; Displays and Sidewalk Sales;
FORMAL CEREMONY AT THE CENOTAPH CORNER:
Starting at 5 pm – Greetings and Speeches
and Birthday Cake (Courtesy of Trevor McLean and the staff of St. George Foodland)
Supported by a generous donations by the COUNTY OF BRANT; STARLITE HOMES LTD.(Jack Speelziek) and ANNSPEL HOLDINGS LTD. (Debby Speelziek).
Main Street activities coordinated by the South Dumfries Historical Society.
Schedule of events subject to change, check the SDHS website for updates at www.southdumfrieshistoricalsociety.blogspot.com
OTHER CANADA DAY ACTIVITIES IN ST. GEORGE:
Start the day with a pancake breakfast hosted by the St. George firefighters
at the Fire Station from 8 a. m. to 11 a. m. and, later, watch the
“FIRE AND THUNDER” FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR!
At approx. 10 pm – at King William Park.
BRING YOUR LAWNCHAIRS!
(No other fireworks or sparklers allowed)
Presented by the St. George Volunteer Firefighters.
Come out and enjoy a great afternoon of fun to celebrate Canada’s birthday…
AFTERNOON EVENTS ON THE MAIN STREET:
Main Street will be closed between Beverly Street and High Street.
Main Street Contests and Games for children and adults, Sidewalk Chalk Art, Hula Hoops and more – Prizes to be awarded! Check the door of the Museum or the website for details close to July 1st)
Music from 11 am to 5 pm
Great pop/rock favourites with
CINDY ALEXANDER and OFFSUIT
and rising stars:
HOMETOWN ROOTS (back from a tour in Alberta)
Also Special Guest singers and Air Guitar contest!
Bring your lawnchairs to enjoy the music.
ALSO: Museum Open House; Displays and Sidewalk Sales;
FORMAL CEREMONY AT THE CENOTAPH CORNER:
Starting at 5 pm – Greetings and Speeches
and Birthday Cake (Courtesy of Trevor McLean and the staff of St. George Foodland)
Supported by a generous donations by the COUNTY OF BRANT; STARLITE HOMES LTD.(Jack Speelziek) and ANNSPEL HOLDINGS LTD. (Debby Speelziek).
Main Street activities coordinated by the South Dumfries Historical Society.
Schedule of events subject to change, check the SDHS website for updates at www.southdumfrieshistoricalsociety.blogspot.com
OTHER CANADA DAY ACTIVITIES IN ST. GEORGE:
Start the day with a pancake breakfast hosted by the St. George firefighters
at the Fire Station from 8 a. m. to 11 a. m. and, later, watch the
“FIRE AND THUNDER” FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR!
At approx. 10 pm – at King William Park.
BRING YOUR LAWNCHAIRS!
(No other fireworks or sparklers allowed)
Presented by the St. George Volunteer Firefighters.
PORT DOVER MARINE HERITAGE FESTIVAL 2011
June 17 – 19, 2011
The MARINE HERITAGE FESTIVAL in Port Dover combines Historical Naval / Military re-enactments with demonstrations along with lots of other great entertainment.
The brigantine (tall ship) St. Lawrence II will be at the pier and in the harbour for the entire event.
On Friday (June 17) the vessel will be part of the Education Day programs.
On Saturday and Sunday it will host deck tours by the public and even serve as a stage for musical events.
The St. Lawrence II will also participate in the twilight “Battle on The Beach” on Saturday (June 18) evening.
The weekend’s program will also include opportunities for audience participation in the form of hands-on demonstrations and teaching sessions.
GUNBOATS IN THE CREEK
1812 NAVAL & MILITARY RE-ENACTMENTS,
TALL SHIP – ST. LAWRENCE II
FAMILY ACTIVITIES, DEMONSTRATIONS, GREAT MUSIC & MORE
For more information, please contact:
PORT DOVER HARBOUR MUSEUM
519-583-2660
[email protected]
www.portdovermuseum.ca
The MARINE HERITAGE FESTIVAL in Port Dover combines Historical Naval / Military re-enactments with demonstrations along with lots of other great entertainment.
The brigantine (tall ship) St. Lawrence II will be at the pier and in the harbour for the entire event.
On Friday (June 17) the vessel will be part of the Education Day programs.
On Saturday and Sunday it will host deck tours by the public and even serve as a stage for musical events.
The St. Lawrence II will also participate in the twilight “Battle on The Beach” on Saturday (June 18) evening.
The weekend’s program will also include opportunities for audience participation in the form of hands-on demonstrations and teaching sessions.
GUNBOATS IN THE CREEK
1812 NAVAL & MILITARY RE-ENACTMENTS,
TALL SHIP – ST. LAWRENCE II
FAMILY ACTIVITIES, DEMONSTRATIONS, GREAT MUSIC & MORE
For more information, please contact:
PORT DOVER HARBOUR MUSEUM
519-583-2660
[email protected]
www.portdovermuseum.ca
SAVE THE DATE: ST. GEORGE ANTIQUE SHOW SEPT 3rd & 4th, 2011
Mark your calendars now!
Announcing the return of the Village of St. George Fall ANTIQUE SHOW!
LABOUR DAY WEEKEND
September 3rd and 4th, 2011
Saturday 10 am to 5 pm & Sunday 11 am to 5 pm
A St. George tradition for over 20 years.
Quality dealers presenting a range of antiques;
Light lunches, delicious desserts, coffee & tea
Located at the St. George Arena (The South Dumfries Community Centre) –
Approx. 15 minutes west of Flamboro Downs Race Track on Highway #5
Admission $5.00 (under 12 free with an adult).
Plenty of free parking.
Stay and browse and then visit the shops and restaurants downtown, too!
For more information, call Jeff Stutley at (905) 659-1166 or email: [email protected]
Hosted by the South Dumfries Historical Society/St. George Museum & Archives
Announcing the return of the Village of St. George Fall ANTIQUE SHOW!
LABOUR DAY WEEKEND
September 3rd and 4th, 2011
Saturday 10 am to 5 pm & Sunday 11 am to 5 pm
A St. George tradition for over 20 years.
Quality dealers presenting a range of antiques;
Light lunches, delicious desserts, coffee & tea
Located at the St. George Arena (The South Dumfries Community Centre) –
Approx. 15 minutes west of Flamboro Downs Race Track on Highway #5
Admission $5.00 (under 12 free with an adult).
Plenty of free parking.
Stay and browse and then visit the shops and restaurants downtown, too!
For more information, call Jeff Stutley at (905) 659-1166 or email: [email protected]
Hosted by the South Dumfries Historical Society/St. George Museum & Archives
THE BATTLE OF STONEY CREEK – WILL BE RE-ENACTED THIS WEEKEND
Re-enactment celebrates 30th anniversary this weekend
If you think history is all dusty and library-quiet, head out to Stoney Creek this weekend and you will be proven wrong!
The famous Battle of Stoney Creek will be commemorated on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Battlefield House Museum and Park, with battle re-enactments on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.
There will also be fireworks after the Saturday evening battle.
Battlefield House Museum and Park curator Susan Ramsay says “Visitors to the event this year can expect to experience a wide variety of activities and historical content, so that they can understand what life was like during the War of 1812.”
The Burlington Teen Tour Band will perform on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. on the battlefield. Known as Canada’s Musical Ambassadors, the band has attended many events, including 60th VE-Day anniversary celebrations in Holland, 60th D-Day anniversary celebrations in France and ceremonies marking the 50th and 60th anniversary of the liberation of Holland by Canadian forces during the Second World War – to name only a few highlights.
Visitors are invited to re-live history all weekend long, while enjoying food and refreshments, a fashion show of women’s clothing from 1805 to 1815, historical demonstrations, musical entertainment, one-of-a-kind shopping and period games.
Visitors can also take a guided tour through the 200-year-old Gage homestead, a trip through the 19th century encampment or they can listen to Indian war hero, Tecumseh, as he recounts the story of his life.
Archaeologists will be on site to discuss the current archaeological excavations taking place in Battlefield Park.
Admission to the Re-enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek weekend is $8 for adults and $2 for youth. The event is free for children under five.
For more information, call (905) 662-8458 or visit www.battlefieldhouse.ca.
If you think history is all dusty and library-quiet, head out to Stoney Creek this weekend and you will be proven wrong!
The famous Battle of Stoney Creek will be commemorated on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Battlefield House Museum and Park, with battle re-enactments on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.
There will also be fireworks after the Saturday evening battle.
Battlefield House Museum and Park curator Susan Ramsay says “Visitors to the event this year can expect to experience a wide variety of activities and historical content, so that they can understand what life was like during the War of 1812.”
The Burlington Teen Tour Band will perform on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. on the battlefield. Known as Canada’s Musical Ambassadors, the band has attended many events, including 60th VE-Day anniversary celebrations in Holland, 60th D-Day anniversary celebrations in France and ceremonies marking the 50th and 60th anniversary of the liberation of Holland by Canadian forces during the Second World War – to name only a few highlights.
Visitors are invited to re-live history all weekend long, while enjoying food and refreshments, a fashion show of women’s clothing from 1805 to 1815, historical demonstrations, musical entertainment, one-of-a-kind shopping and period games.
Visitors can also take a guided tour through the 200-year-old Gage homestead, a trip through the 19th century encampment or they can listen to Indian war hero, Tecumseh, as he recounts the story of his life.
Archaeologists will be on site to discuss the current archaeological excavations taking place in Battlefield Park.
Admission to the Re-enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek weekend is $8 for adults and $2 for youth. The event is free for children under five.
For more information, call (905) 662-8458 or visit www.battlefieldhouse.ca.
Reminder: DIGITAL PRESERVATION DAYS THIS WEEK
HELP PRESERVE OUR HISTORY
DIGITAL PRESERVATION DAYS THIS WEEK
The South Dumfries Historical Society and the County of Brant Public Library will be hosting special Digital Preservation Days at the Glen Morris and St. George Branch Libraries.
This is your chance to preserve your family’s history and help us build an online historical collection that will be preserved for generations to come.
All types of items are welcome to be digitized, and nothing is too old or too new!
Bring your photos and documents like team pictures, street scenes, school pictures or land deeds, family histories, and ledgers….even physical artifacts can be photographed and included in the collection!
Please also consider – if these dates and times are not convenient – contacting us so that we can make other arrangements.
If you know a neighbour, a friend or a relative who might also have items of interest, please encourage them to visit us or contact us.
If you have family photos with streetscape or other area backgrounds, they can be of great interest to historians – even for fashions and the types of cars that show up.
Bring your photos in and we’ll scan them for you. You keep the original, and you can get a scanned copy, and we keep a copy for our archives.
Artifacts can include a wide range of things – from team uniforms, dairy bottles, store advertisements, trophies, farm equipment, toys, etc.
Some images may be added to our online historical photo collection – and we will ask your permission in this regard. We may also have questions to assist us in accurately cataloguing materials – but do not be embarrassed if you are sketchy on details – and do not stay away on that account – we will all do the best we can.
Thank you for helping with this project!
Glen Morris Branch
When: Tuesday, May 10
Time: Noon-4:00 p.m.
Cost: Free event
St. George Branch
When: Friday, May 13
Time: Noon-4:00 p.m.
Cost: Free event
*
This project is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
DIGITAL PRESERVATION DAYS THIS WEEK
The South Dumfries Historical Society and the County of Brant Public Library will be hosting special Digital Preservation Days at the Glen Morris and St. George Branch Libraries.
This is your chance to preserve your family’s history and help us build an online historical collection that will be preserved for generations to come.
All types of items are welcome to be digitized, and nothing is too old or too new!
Bring your photos and documents like team pictures, street scenes, school pictures or land deeds, family histories, and ledgers….even physical artifacts can be photographed and included in the collection!
Please also consider – if these dates and times are not convenient – contacting us so that we can make other arrangements.
If you know a neighbour, a friend or a relative who might also have items of interest, please encourage them to visit us or contact us.
If you have family photos with streetscape or other area backgrounds, they can be of great interest to historians – even for fashions and the types of cars that show up.
Bring your photos in and we’ll scan them for you. You keep the original, and you can get a scanned copy, and we keep a copy for our archives.
Artifacts can include a wide range of things – from team uniforms, dairy bottles, store advertisements, trophies, farm equipment, toys, etc.
Some images may be added to our online historical photo collection – and we will ask your permission in this regard. We may also have questions to assist us in accurately cataloguing materials – but do not be embarrassed if you are sketchy on details – and do not stay away on that account – we will all do the best we can.
Thank you for helping with this project!
Glen Morris Branch
When: Tuesday, May 10
Time: Noon-4:00 p.m.
Cost: Free event
St. George Branch
When: Friday, May 13
Time: Noon-4:00 p.m.
Cost: Free event
*
This project is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
JANE'S WALK – THERE'S AN APP FOR THAT!
May 4th would have been Jane Jacobs’ birthday. The Jane’s Walks held all over the world this weekend – including the St. George Walk this Sunday at 3 p.m. – honour her memory and keep her ideas alive.
Born Jane Butzner in Scranton, Pennsylvania, she would move to New York City one year after graduating from the Scranton High School.
Her famous book, The Death and Life of Great American Cities was published in 1961.
She moved with her family to Toronto in 1968 and lived there until her death in 2006.
To quote from the proclamation of former Toronto Mayor David Miller, when the City proclaimed May 4, 2007 as “Jane Jacobs Day:”
“She inspired and taught the world how to understand and value our cities, almost single-handedly transforming our ideas about urban life.
Jane Jacobs was a writer, outspoken urban activist, a philosopher of everyday life and an innovator. Her book “The Death and Life of Great American Cities” brought into focus the premise that cities are engines of growth whose vitality stems from the variety of activities people engage in. In other books she analyzed how cities function with one another and how to live in a world of conflicting moral principles.
Jane Jacobs’ arguments were from the ground up, with in-depth observations of everyday places, teaching us about ‘eyes on the street’, life on the sidewalk and that walkable, dense, compact and diverse neighbourhoods were the hallmarks of a healthy city, where people join their creative energies.”
From the Jane’s Walk press release:
On the May 7 and 8 weekend, thousands of Canadians will take to the streets to mark the fifth annual Jane’s Walk, a series free, urban neighbourhood tours that inspire citizens to get to know their city and each other by getting out and walking. The homegrown innovation will stroll through more than 30 cities across Canada and more than 70 cities worldwide in celebration of Jane Jacobs’s birthday (May 4).
In total, more than 12,000 walkers will take part in over 500 tours led by passionate and friendly locals who want to share their inside tips on great places to walk, hang out, shop, eat and explore in their own neighbourhoods. New international Jane’s Walk partnerships this year include Sao Paulo (Brazil), Wuhan (China), Tel Aviv, (Israel), Colchester and Hereford (England), Berlin (Germany), Guadalajara (Mexico), Amsterdam (Netherlands), Ljubljana (Slovenia) and Carcar (Philippines).
“Jane Jacobs is the foremost urban thinker of our time,” says Jane Farrow, executive director of Jane’s Walk. “She encouraged people to familiarize themselves with the places where they live, work and play – believing in the importance of local residents having input on how their neighbourhoods develop.”
2011 is also the 50th anniversary of The Death and Life of Great American Cities, the best-selling book that introduced Jane Jacobs’ ground-breaking ideas about how cities function, evolve and fail. Her community-centred vision started with the idea that local residents know best how to shape and improve their neighbourhoods. Foremost is her simple yet revolutionary idea that dense, mixed use neighborhoods are the key to the health and survival of a city. Decades later, it has become a model for generations of architects, planners, politicians and activists.
A new Jane’s Walk iPhone® app allows users across Canada to sort the walks by date, neighbourhood and location for free. This year’s tours walk the gamut with everything from the historical to the controversial:
• Explore the changing face of Edmonton’s Original Warehouse District;
• Stroll Calgary’s Chinatown, one of the city’s oldest and much loved neighbourhoods;
• Experience the University of Saskatchewan’s century-old tradition of architectural quality and hear some of the stories told in stone;
• Wander through Beacon Hill Park and learn about how this part of Victoria has been used in the past by first nations, early settlers, current residents;
• Bring your binoculars to see the birds and bees in Guelph, a walking tour about urban wildlife;
• Wheel your way from Ottawa’s Rideau Centre to the Byward Market and back as you discuss issues of mobility access in the capital city’s downtown core;
• Learn about food production in Montreal’s Villeray community and how to reduce our dependence on oil by eating local and delicious dishes;
• Discover the fascinating cultural history and award-winning murals of the West End, Winnipeg’s most diverse community;
• Walk the harbour and Water St. area of St. John’s as you discuss the historical city’s transition from a compact, walkable, habour-focused city to a widely dispersed city dependent on automobile transportation.
Born Jane Butzner in Scranton, Pennsylvania, she would move to New York City one year after graduating from the Scranton High School.
Her famous book, The Death and Life of Great American Cities was published in 1961.
She moved with her family to Toronto in 1968 and lived there until her death in 2006.
To quote from the proclamation of former Toronto Mayor David Miller, when the City proclaimed May 4, 2007 as “Jane Jacobs Day:”
“She inspired and taught the world how to understand and value our cities, almost single-handedly transforming our ideas about urban life.
Jane Jacobs was a writer, outspoken urban activist, a philosopher of everyday life and an innovator. Her book “The Death and Life of Great American Cities” brought into focus the premise that cities are engines of growth whose vitality stems from the variety of activities people engage in. In other books she analyzed how cities function with one another and how to live in a world of conflicting moral principles.
Jane Jacobs’ arguments were from the ground up, with in-depth observations of everyday places, teaching us about ‘eyes on the street’, life on the sidewalk and that walkable, dense, compact and diverse neighbourhoods were the hallmarks of a healthy city, where people join their creative energies.”
From the Jane’s Walk press release:
On the May 7 and 8 weekend, thousands of Canadians will take to the streets to mark the fifth annual Jane’s Walk, a series free, urban neighbourhood tours that inspire citizens to get to know their city and each other by getting out and walking. The homegrown innovation will stroll through more than 30 cities across Canada and more than 70 cities worldwide in celebration of Jane Jacobs’s birthday (May 4).
In total, more than 12,000 walkers will take part in over 500 tours led by passionate and friendly locals who want to share their inside tips on great places to walk, hang out, shop, eat and explore in their own neighbourhoods. New international Jane’s Walk partnerships this year include Sao Paulo (Brazil), Wuhan (China), Tel Aviv, (Israel), Colchester and Hereford (England), Berlin (Germany), Guadalajara (Mexico), Amsterdam (Netherlands), Ljubljana (Slovenia) and Carcar (Philippines).
“Jane Jacobs is the foremost urban thinker of our time,” says Jane Farrow, executive director of Jane’s Walk. “She encouraged people to familiarize themselves with the places where they live, work and play – believing in the importance of local residents having input on how their neighbourhoods develop.”
2011 is also the 50th anniversary of The Death and Life of Great American Cities, the best-selling book that introduced Jane Jacobs’ ground-breaking ideas about how cities function, evolve and fail. Her community-centred vision started with the idea that local residents know best how to shape and improve their neighbourhoods. Foremost is her simple yet revolutionary idea that dense, mixed use neighborhoods are the key to the health and survival of a city. Decades later, it has become a model for generations of architects, planners, politicians and activists.
A new Jane’s Walk iPhone® app allows users across Canada to sort the walks by date, neighbourhood and location for free. This year’s tours walk the gamut with everything from the historical to the controversial:
• Explore the changing face of Edmonton’s Original Warehouse District;
• Stroll Calgary’s Chinatown, one of the city’s oldest and much loved neighbourhoods;
• Experience the University of Saskatchewan’s century-old tradition of architectural quality and hear some of the stories told in stone;
• Wander through Beacon Hill Park and learn about how this part of Victoria has been used in the past by first nations, early settlers, current residents;
• Bring your binoculars to see the birds and bees in Guelph, a walking tour about urban wildlife;
• Wheel your way from Ottawa’s Rideau Centre to the Byward Market and back as you discuss issues of mobility access in the capital city’s downtown core;
• Learn about food production in Montreal’s Villeray community and how to reduce our dependence on oil by eating local and delicious dishes;
• Discover the fascinating cultural history and award-winning murals of the West End, Winnipeg’s most diverse community;
• Walk the harbour and Water St. area of St. John’s as you discuss the historical city’s transition from a compact, walkable, habour-focused city to a widely dispersed city dependent on automobile transportation.